An exhibition showcasing the lives and traditions of China's various ethnic groups is on display at Beijing's China Millennium Monument. The theme is "preservation and acceptance." CGTN went to check out the rare moments and precious memories.

From horse caravans on the Silk Road to northern China's Ewenki reindeer people, 20 groups of photos present the diverse lives of China's ethnic groups.

Complete storylines featuring a specific ethnic group, family or community makes this exhibition unique and eye-catching.

Photographers have been living in these areas for several years, and their work comes after in-depth research, observation and recording. The photos show the true face of China's ethnic minorities and are a good platform from which to learn about their stories and customs.

For periods ranging from 10 to 30 years, photographers have recorded the changes the various peoples have gone through, both in their surroundings and their behavior.

Whether or not they're aware of it, they all face the challenge of balancing modern life with their cultural traditions.

"Through the ethnographic photo biennial, we hope to document each ethnic minority people's experience and memory as they face globalization and modernization ... and at the same time seek to preserve their own culture," said Zheng Qian, deputy curator of Chinese National Museum of Ethnology.

Similar to a typical local drama performance, She Huo is a folk show marking traditional customs of Chinese festivals, popular in mainly Han Chinese northern villages. It has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage.

Through photographer Wu Xiaopeng's lens, you get a feeling for an event that must form an unforgettable memory for the children, all dressed up with thick make-up on, dramatizing stories they don't really understand. It's not only a fresh and fun experience; it's also a way of subtly passing on traditional culture.

"We stressed the importance of genuine and natural recording. Posing, disguising and intervention are not allowed. Such photos are objective documenting, a complete recording of an event, both temporal and spatial. When photographers record a community, a village and a group of people, it takes a long process to be a complete recording," Zheng said.

Zheng and her organization are working to promote the exhibition overseas to share the real lives of the country's ethnic groups with more people outside China.

(Cover: An Exhibition showcasing the lives and traditions of China's various ethnic groups is on display at Beijing's China Millennium Monument, October 11, 2020. /CGTN)