Taiwan-based Ching-Hui Chou's Animal Farm. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Although we live on the continent, it doesn't mean we understand it enough," says Wang Huangsheng, art director of the biennial and director of the Art Museum of Central Academy of Fine Arts.

Wang says that people in Asia have kept a close eye on the West for a long time. But as for the place where they live and its cultures, religions and customs, they're not sufficiently aware of the numerous problems facing it.

According to the curatorial team of six including Yuko Hasegawa from Japan and Nili Goren from Israel, the theme of Unfamiliar Asia seems a little serious for a photo biennial. However, they think a direct and individual recording of what photographers see and think may offer a visual way to present a real Asia.

The biennial consists of four parts including a thematic exhibition of photographers' works from 21 countries and regions, two collection shows of photos of China from collectors and a photography book show.