Israel exhibition shows China through the eyes of tourists

China through Israeli Eyes, a photo exhibition held in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, has attracted more than 200 Israeli viewers.

The exhibition, held last week, displayed 30 pictures selected from about 1,500 photos taken by Israeli tourists during their visits to China. The China Cultural Center in Tel Aviv started to collect the photos in November.

The images demonstrate China's amazing landscapes in urban and rural areas, as well as Chinese people and their colorful lives, says Tao Chen, director of the China Cultural Center in Tel Aviv.

Cultural exchanges-a significant part of the cooperation between China and Israel-enhance mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the two peoples, notes Tao.

"Frequent cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Israel reflect the friendly relations of our two countries," he adds.

Through an online vote, three photos were awarded the first, second and third prizes, and the awards ceremony was also held at the opening.

A photo depicting an old Chinese woman cleaning chaff from rice in a traditional manner in her home, taken by Amnon Eichelberg in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, won the first prize.

Eichelberg says that he visited China three times, including two tours in Guangxi. He says the old Chinese woman randomly invited him and his wife into her home.

"It was a very interesting experience, and the photo tells the story of her life," says Eichelberg.

China changes a lot every year, and it is interesting to see both modern and traditional elements in China, Eichelberg says.

"China is very big, and I would like to see other places."

Shimon and Dina Yona, a couple in their 70s, say the photos brought back memories of their China tour 15 years ago.

They point out that the country has totally changed compared with the China they knew. "China is very interesting, and the people are also becoming more open-minded, so now we have to learn more about China."

A performance featuring Chinese ethnic songs, dance and instrumental music was also staged at the event.

The exhibition was hosted by the China Cultural Center and Israel's tourism website, Lameteyel. This is the third event they have hosted together this year.

Itamar Barak, chief editor of Lametayel Website Group, says that, months ago at an event called "Yella China", five Israeli bloggers each won the chance to visit a Chinese city. They then posted about their experiences.

Dorel Sivan, one of the five bloggers, visited Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China's Gansu province. "It was a very nice experience visiting China," says Sivan, adding that he was surprised in many ways, and particularly by the hospitality of the people and the amazing nature.

"I would love to go back to China. There are so many places that I'm curious about," says Sivan.