Cultural photography exhibition “China Through Your Lens” held in Kuwait

KUWAIT CITY, May 19: Ahead of the 16th “China Tourism Day” on May 19, the “China Through Your Lens — Photography Exhibition & Travel Stories” event was held in Kuwait on May 18. The event was jointly organized by China Cultural Center in Kuwait and Kuwaiti Association for Photographic Arts.

Centered on the “Nihao! China” tourism promotion brand, the event brought together a photography exhibition, tourism presentations, travel storytelling sessions and interactive exchanges. It offered participants a broad overview of China’s tourism resources, urban development and technological achievements, while contributing to strengthened cultural and tourism cooperation between China and Kuwait and deepening mutual understanding between the two peoples.

The event consisted of two main sections: the “China Through Your Lens” Photography Exhibition and a China travel storytelling session.

The exhibition showcased award-winning entries from the “China Through Your Lens” Photography Contest, jointly launched by China Cultural Center in Kuwait and Kuwaiti Association for Photographic Arts during this year’s Spring Festival period. It also presented a special display titled “New Horizons of China’s Development”, highlighting modern life in China as well as recent achievements in technology and social development.

A total of 42 award-winning works were exhibited, featuring subjects ranging from the karst landscapes of Guilin and the skyline of Shanghai to the historic town of Zhenyuan. Covering themes such as natural scenery, cultural heritage and contemporary urban life, the exhibition offered visitors a broad visual portrait of modern China.

The “New Horizons of China’s Development” section was presented to coincide with the opening year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period. Through a series of visual displays, it highlighted developments in areas including technological innovation, major infrastructure projects, smart transport, intelligent connected vehicles, urban renewal and green development, presenting Kuwaiti audiences with an image of a modern China that is innovative, open and dynamic.

One of the highlights of the event was the China travel storytelling session, which engaged the audience. The event screened the official promotional video for the 2026 China Tourism Day campaign, which introduced the origins of the event and its related activities while promoting the theme “Love Travel, Love Life”.

Dr Suad Alhammar, Head of the Kuwaiti Association for Photographic Arts, shared reflections on her travels across China and the stories behind her photographic work, offering personal insights into Chinese society and culture.

Photographer Zeyad Bouarki also presented his experiences in China, illustrating aspects of daily life, local customs and development through his photographic documentation.

Ebrahim Bao, General Manager of Nabhan Asia for Tourist Trips and Guidance, delivered a presentation on China’s tourism resources, recommended travel routes and the latest travel facilitation policies for international visitors, offering practical information and advice for Kuwaiti travelers interested in visiting China.

An award ceremony for the photography contest was also held during the event. Out of a wide pool of submissions from across Kuwaiti society, 42 works were selected for exhibition and 14 photographers were recognised for their contributions. Certificates were presented in acknowledgement of their efforts to capture and promote images of China through photography.

The event brought together nearly 100 participants, including representatives of the Kuwaiti Association for Photographic Arts, the Kuwait Travelers Association, students of Chinese language programmes at the China Cultural Center in Kuwait, members of the Kuwait–China Friendship Club, media representatives, tourism influencers and members of the public.

Using photography and storytelling as a platform for cultural exchange, the event provided Kuwaiti audiences with an engaging window into China’s culture and tourism, while further strengthening people-to-people ties and cultural connectivity between China and Kuwait.