An exhibition of more than 300 photos chronicling Shenzhen's changes during the period of opening up was held at the Citizens' Center yesterday to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the city's foundation.

"Shenzhen was nothing more than a small fishing village 28 years ago but it has now grown to be a world-famous special economic zone," Shenzhen Mayor Xu Zongheng said at the opening of the exhibition.

Titled "Thanksgiving and Reciprocation" and organized by the municipal government, the exhibition attracted a lot of visitors. Two photos entitled "Home" and "Rise" were among the most popular on display.

Zou Hongtao, the construction worker in "Rise," said a photographer had asked him to pose on a building under construction to show Shenzhen speed in 1984. Zou, now 56, has retired and was amazed at the changes that had been brought about with Shenzhen speed.

The exhibition also attracted a number of middle school students. "Some places have undergone striking changes and I can learn more about the city's history," Tang Yichong, a student at Shenzhen Experimental School, said.

The exhibition will run until Sept. 4 and is free of charge.