The 17th Pingyao International Photography Festival (PIP) will take place in Pingyao from Sept 19 to 25, according to a press conference held in Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province, on July 18.

The annual photography festival, which has a theme of "original inspiration; a brighter future", will consist of five parts, including an opening ceremony, exhibitions and academic activities.

Some 50 professional institutions, 60 colleges from home and abroad, and more than 2,000 photographers from some 30 countries and regions, such as Russia, the United States and New Zealand, will join in China's biggest photography event.

Around 10,000 photos, ranging from classics to works from other international photography festivals, will be on display in Pingyao. World famous photographers like Marcus Lyon from the UK, Philippe Vermès (monochrome portraits) from France, and Jamey Stillings (aerial photography) from the United States, are going to exhibit their work.

Apart from photography-themed activities, the fifth Pingyao Short Film Festival, a lacquer art expo and other cultural events will be held during the photography festival to boost Pingyao's profile.

Pingyao International Photography Festival has run through 16 sessions since it was launched in 2001. It has developed into an influential event for domestic and overseas photographers. In 2016, PIP attracted more than 226,000 visitors to Pingyao.

A press conference takes place for the 17th Pingyao International Photography Festival in Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province, on July 18. [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]

Wang Yuwen (left) and Zhu Xianmin, two experienced Chinese photographers, unveil the key word of the poster for the 17th Pingyao International Photography Festival at the press conference. [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]