Shanghai heart-throb TV star finds new passion behind the camera lens

Chinese actor Hu Ge (left) attends Amazing Shanghai as the city's tourism ambassador in London, to promote Shanghai to the world, on June 13, 2016. [Photo by Liu Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

Hu Ge is no stranger to cameras. The heart-throb actor starred in over 14 TV series, two movies and released three albums during the past two years. Now the 34-year-old has discovered a new role behind the camera.

Hu's photographs, featuring his home city Shanghai in East China, are being displayed at an exhibition in downtown London from June 13th to 18th.

As Shanghai's tourism ambassador and a passionate amateur photographer, Hu was invited to take part in the "Home?Town" exhibition at London's Alfred Dunhill Burdon House. It is one of a series of initiatives to promote the image of Shanghai, London's sister city.

Hu Ge is one of the most popular stars in China with over 48 million followers on China's Sina Weibo social network. He is also among the highest-paid stars in China. Last year, his three TV series received more than 19 billion online clicks. He is reported to have taken more than 30 advertisements in 2015 with a total endorsement fee over 200 million yuan ($30 million).

The photography and videography exhibition showcases artworks from invited artists from China and abroad that have shared their interpretations of Shanghai and what "hometown" means to them.

Planning to capture some panoramic photos of the city, Hu climbed to the top of Shanghai Tower, over 600 meters above the ground.

"The weather was not ideal and the tower was still under construction," said Hu. "But I was very glad to grasp a moment from the Shanghai's developing process. "