Photography exhibition by Italian journalist opens in Xi'an

A photography exhibition named "Encounters·Silk Road -- Xi'an in the Eyes of an Italian Journalist" was unveiled at Xi'an Museum in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on Wednesday.

This exhibition is a selection of 87 old photos of Xi'an taken by Italian sinologist, journalist, and photographer Adriano Madaro between 1979 and 1983.

Madaro's journey in China began in April 1976, when the 34-year-old was invited by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to visit the country as a journalist. Since then, he has visited China 217 times, and his tours have covered many places across the country.

Through the photos taken by Madaro, the viewer can see a city street view, Shaanxi specialties, an agricultural market, the Bell Tower, the Terra Cotta Warriors, and other cultural attractions. Each photo records the history of Xi'an, and the captions convey Madaro's thoughts and feelings at that time.

In addition, Madaro's passport, camera, brochures of the Terra Cotta Warriors, poems written to Xi'an, and other exhibits show his friendship with Xi'an.

One of the exhibition curators, Wang Lu with Xi'an Museum, said this exhibition is a reflection on the history of Xi'an and a tribute to Madaro and the friendship between China and Italy.