Picture delights put town in the frame

On China's Loess Plateau an old town has attracted attention worldwide as the result of an international photography festival.

The 2,700-year-old Pingyao Ancient Town in Shanxi province is one of the most well-preserved of its kind in China, and UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 1997.

The festival, first held in 2001, is now at the forefront of photographic events in China and has become influential among photographers the world over.

Over the past 10 years more than 16 million people have attended, and exhibitions have toured in many countries and regions, among them Australia, France, India, Japan, Spain and the US.

This year's event, from Sept 14 to Sept 25, attracted more than 2,000 photographers from 32 countries.

1. A resident near the gate of the old town, inside which the opening ceremony of the festival is held. 2. As with most other places in China, modern technology has not passed the 2,700-year-old town by. 3. The lighting of incense adds a reverent tone to some of the works. 4. Youngsters exchange views in front of photos exhibited on folded paper boats. 5. A visitor views photos hung on one of the town's walls. 6. At the opening ceremony, photographers do what they do best.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 10/24/2014 page4)