The photo exhibition in Auckland and Wellington has attracted more than 50,000 visitors from Jan 25 to Feb 2, 2020. (Photo: Chinaculture.org)

To celebrate Chinese New Year, the China Cultural Center in Wellington cooperated with the government of Kucha in China's Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region and launched two photo exhibitions about the historical heritage of Kucha city.

With 70 photographs, the exhibits covers a wide range of Kucha's local history, including the Buddhist monastery, the beacon tower dating back to the ancient Silk Road, forests of Euphrates poplar trees and the unique Yardang landforms.

"Next time I'm in China, l want to visit these treasured historic sites and imagine the fascinating stories about the monk Xuanzang and the ancient Silk Road," said Micheal Stephens, honorary chairman of the New Zealand Film Festival in China.

"These photos showcase the extraordinary landforms in Xinjiang," said photographer Simon Moore. "To any photography enthusiast, Xinjiang is a must-see destination. I'd very much like to view the resilient Euphrates poplar thriving in the desert."

"Images transcend languages," said Guo Zongguang, director of the China Cultural Center in Wellington. "This exhibition opens a window for people in New Zealand to experience the marvelous culture in Xinjiang."