A photo exhibition depicting the life of the 10th Panchen Lama Erdini Qoigyi Gyaincain opened in Beijing at the Cultural Palace of the Nationalities.

Panchen was born in Xunhua County of northwest China's Qinghai Province in 1938. He was recognized as the reincarnation of the 9th Panchen Lama. He died in the Xigaze City of Tibet Autonomous Region in 1989 at age 51.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of his death. The photo exhibit, held by the China Photographers Association, was held to honor "a great patriot and master religious leader," according to the association.

More than 100 photos reflect Panchen's contribution to the national unity and his work to improve the conditions for China's ethnic groups.

The pictures are the work of Liu Long, who had been working with Panchen to record the historic events on film.

Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Tomur Dawamat, Wang Guangying, both vice-chairmen of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), attended the opening ceremony.