As the common language and exchange as the core mission, the Vision Unbounded Photography Carnival 2026, guided by the Global Photographic Union (GPU) and organized by GPU CHINA and Shangtuf Image and Art, officially opened on May 18, 2026 at the Taizhou Contemporary Art Gallery in Zhejiang.
The Global Photographic Union brought together international photographers and top Chinese talents, using the lens to break down geographical barriers and allowing art to transcend linguistic boundaries, as they jointly embark on this visual feast that combines international standards with local charm. Guo Jing, GPU Vice President, Director of GPU CHINA, and Chief Planner of this event, hosted the opening ceremony.
Guo Jing, Vice President of GPU and Director of GPU CHINA, hosts the Opening Ceremony
This year’s exhibition has garnered support from various domestic and international institutions, including Popular Photography magazine, PhotoWorld magazine, Association of German Photographers and Filmmakers(BFF), Sille Sanat Sarayı, Turkey, Penza Photoart Creative Union, Russia, Art Portrait Photography Club, Russia, Hellenic Photographic Society of Crete, Greece, Gruppo Fotografico Carpe Diem, Italy, Zagreb Photography Club, Croatia.
The photo carnival featured 404 Chinese photographers from China and abroad, presenting 868 exceptional works spanning documentary, landscape, portraiture, creative, and other genres—a true reflection of photography’s diversity. The exhibition was divided into three major sections across two venues: the Taizhou Contemporary Art Gallery and the Taizhou Academy of Calligraphy and Painting. Exhibitions including VIAP 2025 Award-winning Photos Exhibition, joint exhibitions of Top Ten Photographers, and local thematic exhibitions were on immersive display formats, offering visitors an up-close encounter with the art of photography.
In addition to GPU members and photographers from various regions of China, the photographers attending the opening ceremony also included international photographers from Russia, Ireland, Indonesia, and others.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Ruan Minhua, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of Jiaojiang District Committee and Chairman of the Jiaojiang Federation of Literary and Art Circles, delivered an opening speech. Centered on the theme “Vision Unbounded”, this carnival seeks to showcase the vibrancy of Jiaojiang to the world, convey the warmth of Taizhou, and offer a glimpse into the profound richness of Chinese culture—all through the lens of photography.
Opening Speech by Mr. Ruan Minhua, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of Jiaojiang District Committee and Chairman of the Jiaojiang Federation of Literary and Art Circles
On behalf of GPU, Ms. Marija Milovanovic Maksimovic, GPU Secretary General, emphasized in her speech that photography knows no borders and expressed her hope that the event would deepen participants’ understanding of GPU, foster meaningful exchanges, and inspire future masterpieces.
On behalf of GPU, GPU Secretary General Marija Milovanovic also gives a speech at the opening ceremony
The opening ceremony also unveiled the honorees of the “Top Ten GPU CHINA Photographers of the Year 2025” and “Top Ten Shangtuf Photographers of the Year 2025.” Guo Yong, Chairman of Shangtuf Image and Art, and Guo Jing, Vice President of GPU, jointly presented awards to the recipients. Launched in 2022, this annual recognition program celebrates outstanding photographic achievement, encouraging Chinese photographers to engage actively with the international stage and bring Chinese visual storytelling to the world.
Top Ten GPU China Photographers of the Year 2025 and Top Ten Shangtuf Photographers of the Year 2025 were presented by Guo Jing, GPU Vice President and Guo Yong, General Manager of Shangtuf Image and Art Development Co.,Ltd
Mr. Li Xiushi, representing the recipients of the both Top Ten Awards, delivered his reflections on photography and his aspirations for its future to the audience, deeply inspiring all photography lovers. He emphasized that this prestigious international recognition is not merely an accolade, but a solemn responsibility.
Award acceptance speech by Li Xiushi on behalf of Top Ten GPU China Photographers of the Year 2025 and Top Ten Shangtuf Photographers of the Year 2025
At the opening ceremony, the representatives of the VIPA 2025 award winners were also presented with awards. The Vision Unbounded International Photography Awards 2025, licensed by GPU and IAAP, has been held for three consecutive years and has gained increasing recognition and popularity among photographers worldwide.
Mr. Fausto Meini, the Italian photographer who claimed the overall grand prize of the VIPA 2025, extended his heartfelt thanks to Shangtuf for hosting this grand gathering that unites photography enthusiasts from around the world. He offered his sincere best wishes for the continued prosperity and ever-growing success of both the competition and the carnival.
Launching Ceremony
Throughout the event, photographers from Italy, Ireland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and beyond joined their Chinese photographers in themed sharing sessions, discussing techniques and creative approaches across portraiture, street, and landscape photography. These exchanges sparked cross-cultural dialogue and artistic resonance.
Over the course of the event, photographers from both China and abroad paid a visit to Shangtuf Image and Art, which serves as the headquarters of GPU CHINA.
In addition, a collaborative “Lens on Zhejiang” photo tour took participants to Jiaojiang, Wenling, Yandang Mountain, Songyang, and other scenic locations in Zhejiang, capturing the province’s natural beauty and cultural richness for a global audience. The carnival drew widespread acclaim from the international photography community. Irish landscape photographer Ryszard Lomnicki later sent a heartfelt thank-you message, reflecting on the warmth of the experience and looking forward to future gatherings.
Since its inception, GPU has leveraged its professional network and international reach to facilitate two-way cultural exchange in photography. This Vision Unbounded Photography Carnival built a strong bridge for photographers worldwide to learn from one another. Moving forward, GPU will continue to foster cross-border photographic exchange, ensuring that the beauty of photography reaches far and wide.
