The closing ceremony of the 6th International Photography Symposium and the 2025 Lishui Photography Festival is held in Lishui, Zhejiang province, on Nov 10. [Photo/Lishui Daily]

The 6th International Photography Symposium and the 2025 Lishui Photography Festival successfully concluded at the Lishui Photography Culture Center on Nov 10.

The event brought together representatives from global photography institutions, university leaders, artists, and city officials.

Under the theme "Innovations Sparks Possibilities," the festival upheld its core principles of internationalism, academic excellence, and public engagement. It attracted tens of thousands of photographers and enthusiasts from 37 countries and 105 universities worldwide.

The event set new records in both scale and impact, featuring 1,335 exhibitions displaying 18,531 works and hosting over 20 supporting events.

The closing ceremony presented a series of honors, including the 12th China Photography Annual Ranking and the festival's own "Outstanding Exhibitions" awards.

The festival achieved significant breakthroughs in three key areas: academic depth, public engagement, and international reach. World-renowned photographer Thomas Ruff's retrospective and academic events garnered widespread attention.

By innovatively merging the opening ceremony with a cultural street parade, the city was transformed into a vibrant stage, drawing tens of thousands of participants. Public activities including a mobile photography contest, helped integrate art into daily life.

Participation from top-tier institutions like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, along with strengthened partnerships with entities like the United Kingdom's FORMAT Photography Festival and visits from international sister cities, cemented Lishui's role as a key platform for global cultural exchange and mutual learning.