The “Changing Asia” photo exhibition opened in Shenzhen on Monday, featuring 97 works from 17 countries to promote cultural exchange ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Co-organized by China Daily and the Asia News Network, the event runs through Friday at the Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
97 works selected from 2,200 global entries
Organizers received more than 2,200 entries from 330 photographers worldwide for this edition. A selection process narrowed these down to 97 works by 54 photographers. The exhibition uses the theme “Moments of Connection: Smiles and Hands Across Asia-Pacific” to align with the broader APEC “China Year” goal of building a community to prosper together, according to China Daily.
Did you know? The Changing Asia exhibition is a recurring event that debuted in Bangkok in 2022, moved to Jakarta in 2023, and was held online in 2024.
Cultural diplomacy through visual storytelling
Warner Cheuk Wing-hing, Hong Kong’s deputy chief secretary for administration, stated at the opening that the images document the region's development and culture without the need for words. He noted the exhibition offers a glimpse into inclusive development and mutual understanding.
Bill Condon, an adviser to think tank Our Hong Kong Foundation, described the use of art as “soft power” that allows for dialogue outside of formal diplomatic meetings. Liu Weiling, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the lens serves as a medium to showcase civilizations integrating and people working hand-in-hand.
Featured artists and perspectives
The exhibition includes work from Emanuele Giacomini, an Italy-based documentary photographer. Giacomini’s selected photos capture the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India—a festival listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site since 2017. Giacomini told China Daily that his work focuses on spontaneous emotions that transcend religious and cultural differences.
Other highlighted works include images by Shirkoo Mamagha, which depict nomadic communities in Iran. Nay Min Thu, a student from Myanmar, noted that these specific stories demonstrate the importance of photography that contains a narrative.
APEC exhibition grows in scale and reach
The scale of the event has grown since its inception. While the current exhibition focuses on 17 countries, previous iterations have attracted contributors from more than 40 countries and regions.
| Year | Location/Format | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Bangkok | 29th APEC Leaders’ Meeting |
| 2023 | Jakarta | |
| 2024 | Online | |
| 2026 | Shenzhen | 33rd APEC Leaders’ Meeting |
Common questions about the Changing Asia expo
Where is the exhibition currently located?
The event is hosted at the Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in South China.
Who is eligible to submit work to the exhibition?
The exhibition accepts global entries; the most recent edition saw 330 photographers from across the world submit their work.
What is the primary purpose of the event?
It serves as a cultural exchange event during APEC’s “China Year” to showcase solidarity and shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 2026 Shenzhen event follows a tradition of APEC-linked cultural showcases that began four years ago in Thailand.
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