For shutterbugs who want to keep their fingers on the pulse of photography, they should not miss out on the Jimei x Arles International Photo Festival, an annual event full of highlights and fun that will kick off Friday in the coastal city of Xiamen, East China's Fujian province.

In addition to a visual feast of over 2,000 photos on display at 31 exhibitions of various themes, visitors to the festival's opening week (Dec 15-17), will also be treated to a cornucopia of events such as exhibition tours guided by artists and curators, book signings, panel discussions, workshops, and art performances.

This year, a five-member art committee has replaced the art director as the brains behind the festival, bringing in more perspectives and ideas.