Jiaocheng in Lvliang, Shanxi province launched a national photography competition on Sept 10 to find the shot that best captures the county's charm and beauty.

The competition aims to collect photos reflecting the county's rich history, customs and culture and the natural scenery of Pangquangou Nature Reserve. The deadline for entries is May 10, 2017.

County officials also hope that the contest will help encourage tourists to visit Jiaocheng to see the beautiful landscape for themselves.

The county in central Shanxi is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, with many relics found in the area tracing back to the Paleolithic Era. The region is also famous for its breathtaking countryside, particularly the kaleidoscope of colors in four seasons that greets visitors to Pangquangou.

In recent years, Jiaocheng has focused on improving its environment to brand the county as a picturesque region where people can live a life of elegant ease. It has applied novel ideas to constructing tourist attractions, aiming to balance the region's economic development with developing local tourism.