CPL / City Photography League
Events
2015 | “City Photography” (formerly “Photography News”) Receives World-Record Recognition for the Longest Free Distribution
World-record recognition in 2015; the publication traces back to 1985 and is characterized by long-term free distribution; described as an authorized outlet supporting broader platforms.
CPL Establishes a Legal Counsel Group to Protect Members’ Legitimate Rights
A formal legal counsel group was established to protect the rights of member teams, enterprises, institutions, and individuals; composed of 10 law firms across multiple regions and 30 lawyers; led by Barrister Wang Jinfu as the first head.
A Large-Scale Public Interest Action: Free Portraits for Farmers (8 Months, 12,800 Participants) with Documented Publication
A long-duration public interest initiative provided on-site photography, printing, framing, and gifting for 12,800 farmers; later published with name-based documentation.
June 18, 2011 | Chengdu “Hundred Clubs Photography Competition”: A City-Level Mass Photography Action
Described as the world’s first “hundred clubs” competition organized within a single city; the record cites a base of “one million photographers” in Chengdu and 132 teams registered.
2009 | Nanjing Special Meeting: Adopting “CPL” and Establishing Quantitative Membership Standards
A special meeting in Nanjing confirmed the organizer and adopted the abbreviation “CPL,” while establishing quantified standards for presidium and executive committee service.
May 12, 2008 | Wenchuan Earthquake Image Action: 13 Teams in the Disaster Zone, Fundraising Exhibitions in Bangkok, and an Immersive Exhibition in Chengdu
Immediately after the earthquake, 13 photography teams entered the disaster zone; six days later fundraising documentary exhibitions were held in Bangkok; on June 6, an immersive exhibition opened at Wuhou Shrine Museum in Chengdu; later recognized by the provincial civil affairs authority.
2004 | The First City Photography Congress: Establishing the City Photography League
At the first City Photography Congress, a league was established with a defined headquarters and secretariat arrangement, alongside an early executive structure across multiple cities.
Sichuan Women’s Bicycle Photography Expedition: Tiananmen Entry Ceremony (1987) & World Record Recognition (2014)
A long-distance bicycle photography expedition reached Beijing; a large entry ceremony was held at Tiananmen on June 12, 1987; the expedition later received world-record recognition in 2014.
Award Night: Nationwide Call, Coordination, and the Stadium Ceremony (1986)
The nationwide call and coordination culminated in a stadium award ceremony on December 5, 1986; the record highlights the practical difficulties and the significance of completing the event as planned.
The “Chongqing Meeting” Controversy: Eleven Allegations and Nationwide Condemnation
A working meeting in Chongqing escalated into procedural and governance disputes, including an “eleven allegations” statement; subsequently condemned by 30+ provincial and youth photography associations; the document was burned and an apology issued the next day.