A photography exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up was held in Yantai, East China's Shandong province, showcasing the city's dramatic development over the past 40 years. One hundred photographs featuring changes in the economy, culture, society and ecology were displayed.

Let's take a look at these changes through the following pictures.

Yantai rural areas implement the household contract responsibility system in 1983, which allows farmers to own farmland. The picture shows farmers in Muping county are enjoying the harvest in 1984. [Photo by Wang Rufeng/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The launching ceremony for the Yantai Economic Technology Development Zone is held on March 20, 1985. [Photo by Lan Peixi/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Yantai city signes a friendship city agreement with San Diego of the United States on July 25, 1985. The picture shows the San Diego symphony orchestra accompanying Yantai children as they sing Jasmine, a Chinese traditional song. Yantai has established friendly city relations with 28 cities in 16 countries. [Photo by Tian Kun/photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]