Ningbo in Photographs, a photography exhibition, attracts a Spanish audience. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

The China Cultural Center in Madrid, capital of Spain, on Sept 26 hosted the Western European debut of Ningbo in Light and Shadow — a photography exhibition showcasing 26 images across four thematic chapters.

The event marked a vibrant cultural exchange between Ningbo and Spain, drawing over 100 attendees from the UN Tourism, the Spanish government, Chinese institutions and local media.

The exhibition juxtaposes iconic scenes from Ningbo and Spain: The Drum Tower alongside Madrid's Clock Tower, Dongqian Lake mirroring Retiro Park and Ningbo's fishing festival paired with traditional Spanish boats.

These visual dialogues reflect mutual observation and shared heritage.

Zoltan Fodor-Lengyel, an academician from The Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Cadiz, praised the resonance between civilizations, recalling his recent visit to Ningbo.

Miguel Sanz from a Spain-China cultural exchange association, noted architectural similarities between Ningbo's curves and Antoni Gaudi's aesthetics.

A Spanish photographer said: "These details in light and shadow can better illustrate the charm of Ningbo than any words".

Interactive zones in Madrid featured traditional crafts, including fan painting and bamboo chimes, with locals expressing their admiration for Ningbo's rich culture.

Since its global launch in Cambodia in May 2024, the photography exhibition has toured 19 countries, attracting nearly 460,000 visitors. It continues to foster cross-cultural understanding and global connectivity.