How does Beijing, an Eastern metropolis juxtaposing tradition and modernity, appear in the eyes of Westerners? Ten photographers from the United States, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Hungary, and Switzerland answered this question through their photography while participating in the 2011’s World Photographers Shoot Beijing. For a week, they wandered down Beijing’s lanes and streets, recording every memorable moment from a Western point of view.

First launched in 1999, the World Photographers Shoot Beijing is an event sponsored by the Information Office and the Foreign Affairs Office of the Beijing Municipal Government and the Beijing Foreign Cultural Exchanges Center. In 2005, it became an annual event, after which 10 foreign photographers were invited to shoot Beijing each year.

The 2011 event welcomed the return of German photographer Frank P. Palmer, who took the top prize at the 2009 event, along with Philippe Bourgeois, former French president Jacques Chirac’s personal photographer, and Peter Trebitsch, the first Hungarian winner of the “Chinese Friendship” award and a Beijing-based photojournalist for the Hungarian News Agency Corporation. Unlike previous events, Beijing’s famed Central Axis was the focal point for the recent shoot. The Central Axis begins at Yongdingmen Gate in the south and ends at Beijing Olympic Green in the north, passing through scores of ancient buildings including the Temple of Heaven, the Altar of the God of Agriculture, Zhengyangmen Gate, Tian’anmen Gate, and the Drum and Bell Towers. Through their lenses, both traditional and modern sides of the city were documented for the world.

During the event, the foreign photographers left footprints around town, while the constantly evolving city left deep impressions in their minds. “I like both the ancient and modern metropolis,” remarked Trey Ratcliff, participating for the second time. “I hope I can do fantastic Beijing justice with my camera.” Belgian photographer Kurt Vansteelant added, “Beijing has changed a lot over time. Countless new structures have sprung up in recent years, but the people of Beijing remain friendly and open.”