More than 16,000 photographs by some 2,000 photographers from 23 countries and regions, including the United States and France, are currently on display for the 2017 17th Pingyao International Photography Festival (PIP) which opened in Pingyao county on Sept 19, offering visitors the chance to see photography from around the world.

Work by Chinese photographers covers a wide variety of categories, including a special section for female photographers. As for the exhibition by international photographers, famous photographers like Marcus Lyon from the UK, Philippe Vermès from France, and Jamey Stillings from the United States, displayed their diverse range of work.

"It's the first time that I've come to China. I am delighted to attend this event which gathers people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds and offers them opportunities to communicate," said Philippe Vermès, who is noted for his monochrome portraits.

"PIP also showcases new technologies and perspectives," he added.

Apart from photography exhibitions, this year's PIP, with a theme of "With original inspiration, For a brighter future", also includes academic activities and awards ceremonies.

The fifth Pingyao Short Film Festival, the sixth Pingyao lacquer art expo, Pingyao photography competition, and a calligraphy and painting exhibition will be held alongside the photography festival to promote Pingyao's profile.

Pingyao International Photography Festival has been held 16 times since 2001. It has developed into an influential event for photographers from home and abroad. In 2016, PIP attracted 2,281 photographers and photography organizations from 33 countries and regions to the county.

The opening ceremony for the 2017 China Pingyao International Photography Festival takes place in Pingyao county on Sept 19. [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]

Government officials from Shanxi province, Jinzhong city, and Pingyao county, as well as world famous photographers and representatives from Pingyao’s sister cities in France and Japan attend the opening ceremony. [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]