An urban cultural festival themed on the color blue kicked off at the Liangjiang New Area’s Central Park on May 14.

The festival, which will last for a month, features a series of free organized activities, including a photography exhibition, sharing sessions, a painting exhibition and an open market.

“We want to explore the relationship between the color blue and the city’s cultural life,” said Ouyang Yingji, organizer of the festival.

Ouyang shared his original intention to launch a series of blue-themed cultural projects in different cities beginning with the event in Chongqing.

Hong Kong renowned photographer Liao Weitang and Chongqing poet Li Yuansheng attended the event to exchange ideas about culture, life, history, fashion and food.

A unique photography exhibition has displayed thousands of blue photos taken by local residents in Chongqing. Blue glasses, blue headset and bridges under blue skies can all be viewed in the photos.

Visitors explore the “Chongqing Blue” festival in the Central Park of Liangjiang New Area on May 14. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

A local artisan dyes cloth blue during festival. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

Edited by Zachary Dye