Xiong Yumei, deputy director of the Beijing Tourism Administration addressed an opening remark on the press conference. [Photo: Przemek Drapikowski]

The "My Beijing" Photo Competition started in Beijing on December 5th, organized by the Beijing Administration Bureau.

The competition focuses on photos or videos which are definitive of the bustling metropolis. The first place winner will receive a free trip to China.

It aims to explore Beijing's image and recapture the spirit of Beijing during the games. It's also the first time that a national photo competition has mainly focused on attracting foreign participants, said Xiong Yumei, deputy director of the Beijing Tourism Administration. "Everyone used up all their memory cards used in their cameras, tape recorders and computers. It was suggested that even batteries sold out quickly during the games." She remarked.

Impressed by volunteers' great efforts during the Beijing Olympics, Jiang Wei, director of information centre of Beijing foreign Affair office, encourages them to take part.

"'The 'My Beijing Photo Competition' is a great opportunity for them to share private photos and their experiences with us. Via Ebeijing.com, our official website, we fully support the event and encourage the volunteers to participate in the competition."

According to the Beijing Administration Bureau, the competition will last three months. Upload your photos or videos to the official Web site of the Beijing Tourism Administration (http://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/) or send them to service@ebeijing.gov.cn  or crieng@cri.com.cn by March 1, 2009.

Snapshot of the webpage. Upload your photos or videos to the official Web site of the Beijing Tourism Administration (http://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/) by March 1, 2009. [Photo: CRIEnglish.com]