National Geographic Society to promote China's landscapes

Guo Weimin, vice minister of the State Council Information Office presents a Chinese calligraphic work to Terry Adamson, executive vice president of the National Geographic Society. [Photo by Hu Yongqi/China Daily]

The State Council Information Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Geographic Society and the International Data Group on Wednesday in Washington to further promote landscapes and changes in China.

According to the memorandum, the NGS and IDG will help the SCIO hold exhibitions in the United States by displaying more photos featuring nature, culture and people in China. Every year, dozens of photo exhibitions are held in some states in the US.

Before the signing ceremony, Guo and other Chinese officials had a close look at a modestly sized photo display of China from 1932 to this year. Guo Weimin, vice- minister of the State Council Information Office, said that China has changed over the years, and an increasing number of Chinese travel around the world, with the US as a top destination.

"China has changed a lot, and we have many beautiful places and special landscapes. I hope the NGS will publish more photos about our country," said Guo, adding that this memorandum is part of the exchanges with the US ushering President Xi's state visit to the US that will start on Sept 22.

The NGS has a long history of introducing China to its 6 million readers, and cooperated with the SCIO to make documentaries about the country. Last year, some Terracotta Warriors displayed in Washington by the NGC and the Chinese Embassy attracted more than 500,000 visitors in five months.

The society has endowed $2.8 million to Chinese photographers and $7.7 million has been granted to those who took photos of China, according to Terry Adamson, executive vice president of the NGS. Adamson said he expects to extend cooperation with China, and more Chinese will know about NGS products.

From the 1930s, the NGS' contracted photographers have accumulated about 11 million unpublished photos of China. Xiong Xiaoge, executive vice-president of the IDG, said the photos are being digitalized for the future.