Famous for flocks of swans which migrate to the city every winter, Sanmenxia in Henan Province is now playing host to an international photo exhibition of swans as well as a menagerie of other animals. 

The exhibition portrays the beauty of nature and promotes a harmonious relationship between nature and mankind. 

Some 3,000 animal-inspired images will adorn the walls of the city's Wenbo Exhibition Center. The pictures have been snapped by both amateur and professional photographers from home and abroad, including the US, France, Canada, and Norway. In total there are more than 600 photographers from 24 countries and regions participating. The photos are divided up into swans, wild animals, and documentary pieces.

The exhibition portrays the beauty of nature and promotes a harmonious relationship between nature and mankind.

 "My photo series is called 'from the ugly duckling to a white swan'. I recorded the growth process of white swans from the very beginning. It took a full nine months to complete my work," said Zhang Mingyun, photographer.

Running from Dec 7th to the 12th, the exhibition is co-organized by the China Photographers' Association, the Henan Provincial Culture and Arts League, and the People's Government of Sanmenxia.

During the six-day exhibition, photography training courses will be held, as well as a lecture on animals and nature, and a photographic tour of Sanmenxia.

Every year, thousands of swans from Siberia and Mongolia migrate to the warmer climates of Sanmenxia's lakes. The city, which is located in Henan province, is considered the largest home to migratory swans in China.