Photos of Nanjing Massacre survivors shine at Dali exhibition

A collection of photos depicting the families of people that experienced the Nanjing Massacre of 1937 garnered much attention at the 2017 Dali International Photography Exhibition on Aug 19.

Comprised of 30 photos themed on "rebirth and dignity", the collection was completed by Hao Yuanzheng, a senior reporter from the Xinhua News Agency.

The people featured in the photographs, aged from around 80 to 101, vividly demonstrate their current state with their families after going through the hardship 80 years ago.

"We wanted to show the rebirth and dignity of these people and Hao is good at shooting figures," said Chen Xiaobo, planner of the collection.

Chen also stressed that there are too many materials showing the horror and sadness of the massacre, but the bright look of these survivors are a symbol of a new start, conveying strength and perseverance.

This year happens to be the 80th anniversary of Nanjing Massacre and this group of photos aims to remind people of the struggles of the past, and to cherish peace and life.

Held in Dali, Yunnan province, the photography exhibition will last five days, displaying more than 20,000 photos from home and abroad through 516 exhibitions. A series of seminars and lectures are expected to accompany the exhibition.

Wang Yilong (middle, seated), 94-year-old retiree from the Nanjing Thermos Flask Factory, is pictured with his family. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Chen Guixiang (middle in purple), born in 1924, was saved from Japanese invaders by an old Chinese woman twice during the Nanjing Massacre of 1937. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Yu Changxiang (middle in the chair), 93, survived the massacre by hiding in a cave underground. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Editor: Eric Wang