By Manal Abdel Fattah
The “Charming Guangdong” Photography Exhibition took place in Cairo, Egypt on November 19th, where nearly 200 guests from various fields including politics, business, academia, and media from China and Egypt experienced the unique charm of Guangdong.
Guangdong, located in the southernmost part of the Chinese mainland, is adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao to the south, while the Nanling Mountains stretch across its northern region. Facing the vast South China Sea, this region enjoys a mild climate resembling perpetual spring. Serving as a pivotal crossroads connecting the eastern and western regions of China, Guangdong is constantly evolving and experiencing new developments.
Over a millennium ago, the Maritime Silk Road originated from this very region. Treasures such as the Cantonese language, Cantonese Opera, Cantonese cuisine, lion dances, dragon-boat racing, Lingnan arts, Yingge Dance, Wing Chun Kuen, congou tea, and other iconic elements have been the hallmarks of this ancient land, increasingly reaching out to the world.
The “Charming Guangdong” Photography Exhibition was divided into three parts: “Rivers and Seas Converge in Guangdong, Where Everything Coexists Harmoniously,” “Global Economic and Trade Connections Drive Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” and “Lingnan Customs Mingle in Stunning, Affluent, and Fortunate Locales.” With over 50 outstanding photographic works, the exhibition spotlighted Guangdong’s economic and trade development, customs, cultural heritage, natural scenery, and ecological environment to guests and audiences.
Simultaneously, the visual exhibition coincided with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area World-Class Tourist Destination Promotion Conference. Through the presentation of the intangible cultural heritage of Lingnan, a promotional video featuring Guangdong, an introduction by outstanding guides, and on-site interactive exchanges, participants were able to experience the abundant cultural and tourism resources, authentic customs, and vibrant urban ambiance of Guangdong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
During the conference, Deng Hong, Deputy Director of the Information Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, presented Hanfu to the China Cultural Center in Cairo, showcasing more people the charm of traditional Chinese culture and enhancing communication and exchanges between the people of China and Egypt.
The event forms part of the “2023 Charming China—Cultural Exhibition from Guangdong” event, and is hosted by the Information Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, and the China Cultural Center in Cairo. It is organized by Nanfang Media Group, and supported by GDToday, Egypt China Trade Center, and Guangdong Photographers Association.
Furthermore, similar activities will also be held in Italy and Malaysia in late November, in a bid to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, showcasing the profound cultural heritage of Chinese civilization and the charm of Lingnan culture to the world.
