In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries is joining with other governmental departments to host "Beijing in the Eyes of Foreigners," a photo contest featuring work from foreign photographers working in China or other parts of the world, from March to July 2009.

This event is organized by the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Foreign Affairs Office of Beijing Municipal People's Government, Information Office of Beijing Municipal People's Government, Beijing Municipal Commission of Education and Beijing Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment.

The theme of the contest is "The New Face of Beijing." It aims to give people from outside China an opportunity to better understand Beijing, its charms and, in particular, its changes. The Organizing Committee will accept submissions of photographic work exploring the "new" aspects of Beijing in everything from travel and recreation, to life and work in Beijing. All foreigners who have lived or travelled in Beijing are welcome to enter the contest.

Photos will be judged by a select experts' committee, with the best photos receiving awards as follows: 15,000 yuan each for two Grand Prize winners; 5,000 yuan each for five Runners-Up winners; 3,000 yuan each for 10 Third Place winners; and 500 yuan each for 33 winners of an honourable mention. Prize winners will be invited to take part in a press event for the contest in Beijing, and will be presented with a special collection of the prize-winning photos.

Submission of images to the contest will be taken as a tacit approval for the publication and display of the images received. Information and promotional materials for the contest will be released through print media. At the conclusion of the contest, the Organizing Committee will hold an exhibition of top photos in Beijing, in addition to publishing them in a book.