More than 270 masterpieces by world-renowned Chinese photographers are showcased at the Exhibition Gallery of the Hong Kong Central Library from Oct. 29 until Nov. 12.

Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Society of Worldwide Ethnic Chinese Photographers (SWECP), the "Tradition and Innovation Photography Exhibition 2004" exhibition features the works collected from different generations of worldwide ethnic Chinese photographers to reveal the great variety of style and trends in photography while highlighting the traditional heritage held by the Chinese photographers.

Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung and Honorary President of the SWECP T. Chan Fou-li were among those officiating at the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Meanwhile, more than 200 prize-winning and selected photos from the Hong Kong-Macao Students Photographic Competition are also featured to foster the interest of the younger generation in photography.

SWECP president Yang Shaoming said the theme and format adopted by these budding photographers were ground-breaking.

"Their daringly innovative and lively works give audiences surprises and inspiration," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 30, 2004)