MOSCOW, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Many Russian visitors commended Chinese women's contributions to national development after viewing a photo exhibition here highlighting the achievements of women's development in China.

Launched on Friday, the photo exhibition, "Flowers in Full Bloom: Protagonists of Chinese Modernization," features about 40 photographs showcasing the progress of China's women's cause and the outcomes of China-Russia exchanges and cooperation in this field.

From the vast expanse of outer space to classrooms, from frontline scientific research to community streets, from the legal arena to ethnic villages, the exhibition demonstrates that Chinese women across all fields and ethnic groups embody the profound meaning of "holding up half the sky" through their actions.

"The saying 'Women hold up half the sky' is truly wonderful. Women are not only the pillars that support daily life, but also the light that illuminates the path ahead and the future that carries hope," Russian singer Polina Romanova said after visiting the exhibition.

Chinese women have carved out remarkable careers in business, kept pushing their limits in sports, and shone brightly on the political stage, Romanova added.

Standing before a photo of female taikonaut Wang Haoze of the Shenzhou-19 mission, Arina Sharapova, a presenter with Russia's Channel One, said: "This photo fills me with awe. This is extraordinary courage unique to women. She is truly a great woman."

The exhibition also features photos of cultural exchanges between Chinese and Russian women, such as students from both countries sitting together to practice paper-cutting, artists performing side by side in a concert, and Russian students wearing traditional Chinese ethnic costumes to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

Each captured moment vividly illustrates people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and highlights the role of women in strengthening mutual understanding.

Speaking at the exhibition's opening ceremony Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui noted that both sides will take the exhibition as an opportunity to present a true narrative of all-around China-Russia cooperation, especially in the field of women's development.

"Today, Russia and China maintain in-depth interaction across all fields. Such cultural exchange exhibitions bring the peoples of our two countries closer together," said Svetlana Orlova, an official with the Accounts Chamber of Russia.

Galina Kulikova, first deputy chairperson of the Russia-China Friendship Association, noted that the exhibition not only reflects the contributions of Chinese women but also embodies the profound friendship between women from Russia and China.

The exhibition is jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency and the Chinese Embassy in Russia. ■