The exhibition titled “Visions of Our Green Planet”, with a theme around “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets (the “Two Mountains” Concept)”, opened on Aug. 26 in Hangtou Town, Jiande. It’s the first visual arts project in the support of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural and Art Development Fund to be held right in the countryside.

Since its launch, the exhibition has received 10,268 entries from 19 provinces across China. In the end, 197 works by 149 photographers made it into the show. Winners came from 11 provinces including Zhejiang, Shandong, and Fujian, and their images offer a multi-faceted look at how the Concept is being put into practice nationwide.

The gallery attracted plenty of attention from both amateur cameramen and local villagers. Photo after photo reveal stunning natural landscapes, local customs, and the new face of rural China - using light and shadow to share the charm of village life.

Through the lens, stories of “art ambassadors” and “cultural officers” also struck a chord with visitors. “As cultural officers, we don’t just ‘bring blood.’ We need to ‘make blood,’” said Chen Yun. He is also one of the officers. “We brought in National Geographic photographers to teach camera fans and B&B owners. Promoting visual culture is a step to find good shooters. We’re basically the village’s storytellers.”

Twenty-one photos taken by 13 villagers from Hangchuan Village were selected for the exhibition - all from a grassroots perspective. Their works reflect the sense of happiness and fulfillment that comes from a better eco-environment.

“I’m so happy to win a prize. Mr. Chen’s classes taught me a lot about shooting and working with light,” said Song Jianru, a local resident. “Now I love using my camera to document everyday life.”

“It shows what’s really happening in Zhejiang’s countryside,” said Fu Yongjun, deputy chairman of Zhejiang Photographers Association and member of the news and documentary committee of China Photographers Association. “It’s especially moving to see how villages have transformed - you really see ‘lucid waters and lush mountains’ coming to life.’”

The exhibition will run through October 8 and is free to the public.