China, Kenya photographers launch wildlife exhibition to deepen cultural ties

Kenyan and Chinese photographers on Sunday opened the inaugural joint wildlife photography exhibition in Nairobi, using images of animals, landscapes and people to promote cultural exchange and environmental conservation as ties between China and African countries continue to expand.

The exhibition, titled “Symbiosis of Life, Appreciation of Civilizations,” brought together works from photographers in Kenya and China and was organized by the Photographic Association of Kenya in collaboration with China's Artistic Photography Society and cultural organizations from both countries at the Kenya National Library in Milimani.

The event comes as China and African countries mark what organizers described as a milestone year for cultural exchanges.

Yao Baolong, founder of Birding Beijing Technology and Culture Communication and a representative of the China Artistic Photography Society, said the exhibition coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic engagement between China and Africa and a broader effort to strengthen people-to-people ties.

“Photography bridges friendship and culture boosts cooperation,” Yao said. “Centered on ecological and cultural exchange, the event consolidates grassroots friendship, enriches cultural exchange activities and unites consensus on environmental protection.”

Yao said China and African nations shared a long-standing commitment to harmony between people and nature and had expanded cooperation in biodiversity conservation and ecological development.

“Though separated by mountains and sea, China and Africa share cultural roots,” he said. “Both sides share the concept of coexistence between human and nature and have produced fruitful practical cooperation in biodiversity conservation and green ecological development.”

The exhibition features 93 photographs documenting wildlife and natural environments across Africa and China, according to organizers.

Yao also extended an invitation to Kenyan photographers to participate in Beijing International Photography Week later this year.

“We sincerely invite the Kenya Photographers Association to attend Beijing International Photography Week this September for deeper exchange of photographic culture,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, David Mwaniki, chairman of the Photographic Association of Kenya, which has 2,500 members, described photography as a universal language capable of connecting people across borders.

“At the heart, photography is more than images, it's memory, it's identity, it is storytelling, and more importantly, it is a universal language that transcends beyond borders, culture and geography,” Mwaniki said.

The exhibition, he added, was “about perspective, about connection,” and offered visitors an opportunity to see the world “through each other's eyes.”

Mwaniki said the partnership between Kenyan and Chinese photographers demonstrated how creative collaborations could bridge differences in language, culture and tradition.

“These kinds of collaborations remind us that while our languages, landscapes, traditions may differ, humanity remains deeply connected,” he said. He also promoted Kenya as an ideal destination for cultural and wildlife exploration.

“Kenya offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences, landscape, wildlife, people, culture, all within one destination,” Mwaniki said. “From the grasslands and mountains to our cities and coastlines, this country continues to inspire curiosity and creativity.”

Chinese wildlife photographer Guo Hong said Kenya had long occupied a special place in the imagination of photographers because of its landscapes and wildlife.

“To every wildlife photographer, Kenya is a land of light and shadow,” she said. “The vast East African grassland nurtures the most pristine vitality on earth.”

Guo praised Kenya's conservation efforts and said her recent visit had left a deep impression.

“Local people's pure devotion to nature and wildlife protection makes me realize that exceptional ecological photography features not only striking visuals but also the warmth of existing lives,” she said.

She added that photography could serve as a vehicle for strengthening understanding between societies.

“The camera not only captures light and shadow,” Guo said. “As photographers, we travel far and wide to freeze the breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems and wonderful wildlife of Kenya.”

Destination Marketing Lead, Asia Middle East and Oceania at Kenya Tourism Board, Fiona Ngesa said visual storytelling had become central to the tourism industry and described photography as a powerful tool for attracting travelers.

“At the Kenya Tourism Board, we know that tourism lives and breathes through visual storytelling,” Gesa said.

She said the exhibition highlighted four priorities: cultural exchange, tourism promotion, environmental conservation and future cooperation between Kenya and China.

“Culture is our strongest currency,” Ngesa said. “By bringing together photographers from Kenya and China, we are building a profound cultural bridge.”

She added that the images displayed at the exhibition could inspire future travel.

“A single photograph of a majestic creature does more than just create a thrill,” Gesa said. “It inspires a journey.”

Ngesa also emphasized the role of conservation in Kenya's tourism strategy.

“The theme of life coexistence is an urgent reminder of our shared responsibility,” she said. “By highlighting the delicate balance between people, wildlife and the environment, this exhibition champions sustainable tourism.”

All photographers were awarded certificates, with organizers saying the event aims to strengthen cultural understanding while encouraging greater appreciation for wildlife conservation and ecological protection.