A photography exhibition titled "Viaggio Fotografico Per La Cina" or "Photographic Journey to China" was unveiled in Rome, Italy on March 22. The exhibit follows the theme of interaction between cities and people, displaying the rapid development of Chinese cities and the subsequent and massive changes in people's lives over recent decades.

The exhibition is one of a series of events marking Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Italy.

Speakers at the opening ceremony of the exhibition included Jiang Jianguo, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee; Du Zhanyuan, president of the China International Publishing Group (CIPG); Dorina Bianchi, former undersecretary of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Activities and Tourism; Alberto Bradanini, Italy's former ambassador to China; and Gilda Bojardi, editor-in-chief of Italy's Interni magazine.

Deputy editor-in-chief of CIPG Chen Shi served as chair of the opening ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 people from Chinese and Italian culture, art, design and media circles.

Jiang Jianguo emphasized in his address the long history of cultural exchange between China and Italy, saying that the Chinese people have a natural sense of cordiality towards Italy, and that the Italian people also share a special feeling about China, located far away in the East.

Jiang went on to say that he hopes the exhibition will contribute meaningfully to Sino-Italian cultural exchange, and that the development of cities like Beijing and Shanghai will leave an indelible impression on China's Italian friends.

Dorina Bianchi said that the Italian people have shown greater interest in China in recent years, and such an exhibition from the Chinese side will help Italian people gain a better understanding of China.

Noting that President Xi Jinping had already started his visit to Italy, Bianchi also stated that she hoped that bilateral cooperation would scale new heights in the future.

Du Zhanyuan pointed out that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, and said that the two countries have strengthened high-level exchanges and deepened cooperation in economic, trade and cultural fields. He said that the exhibition will enhance mutual understanding and promote cultural exchange between the two countries.

More than 200 photographs are displayed at the exhibition, with subjects covering three important historical stages of the country: the early days of the People's Republic of China, reform and opening up, and the new era. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The exhibition is divided into three sections. The first focuses on the rapid development of major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Changsha, Xi'an and Sanya; the second on Chinese people working hard for the prosperity of the country; and the third on the economic, trade and cultural exchanges between China and Italy, including stories of friendship between the two peoples.

The exhibition has attracted many locals. One visitor named Malena said that she was particularly impressed by the panoramic photo of Shanghai and that she would like to travel to China if she has the chance.

The exhibition is jointly sponsored by China's State Council Information Office, the Chinese embassy in Italy, and the China International Publishing Group. It is undertaken by the China Report magazine and the Interni and last to March 26.