Caochangdi PhotoSpring to kick off over the weekend in Beijing

As Beijing slowly discards its grey, cold winter days and the first signs of spring begin to appear, we cannot help but thirst for something fresh and new. Well, one good start to a new season of creativity and interesting events is the first Caochangdi(草場地) PhotoSpring that kicked off over the weekend.

As part of the 2010 Croisement Festival presented in partnership with the French Embassy in China, "PhotoSpring" is the name of a photo event that will see twenty galleries join forces to celebrate the art from home and abroad.

The event aims to bring photographers, artists, collectors, amateurs and the public together... to discover new talents, and to mutually celebrate the art of photography.

20-some promising or already renowned Chinese photographers are showing their works at the opening exhibition. These Inkjet print pictures are the artists' perspective on urban life, remote areas, childhood memories, poetry, landscapes, and environmental protection.

What's more, the activity is also teaming up with Arles Photography Festival, France's most prestigious international photographic exhibitions. The event that has helped to define the best and brightest figures in photography for over 40 years. This year marks the first time that Arles's program is shown outside of France.