The 17th International Architecture Exhibition opened to the public in Venice, Italy on Saturday, with Chinese architects playing a big role.

This year, 61 national pavilions and works of 112 teams and individuals from 46 countries and regions participated in the exhibition. Titled "How Will We Live Together?," it has five units: Among Diverse Beings, As New Households, As Emerging Communities, Across Borders, As One Planet.

China's Pavilion is one of the largest national pavilions and introduced "Yuan-er, a courtyard-ology: from the mega to the micro." Curated by Zhang Li, the dean of School of Architecture of Tsinghua University, it exhibits the works of more than 100 Chinese artists and architects, aiming to explore many possible forms of human cohabitation inspired by this Chinese style courtyard.

Besides, works of 10 more Chinese architects have been invited to be displayed at San Marino's Pavilion, as part of a friendship project agreement signed by the two countries in 2015.

The International Architecture Exhibition was held biannually. Originally scheduled to be held last year, the 17th edition was postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibition will last for six months and end on November 21.