LONDON, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A comprehensive Chinese culture and tourism promotion program was launched on Tuesday night in London.
The launch of 2019 China Weeks -- When Culture and Tourism Blend -- was hosted at Cultural Office of the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom.
From May to June, the China Weeks, consisting of 11 programs covering areas like performance, dialogue, lecture, concert, exhibition and promotion event, will be held across Britain.
The highlights include world renowned choreographer Yang Liping's The Rite of Spring, which will be staged at the Sadler's Wells Theatre from May 9 to 11, a Philharmonia Orchestra Concert at Royal Festival Hall on May 11, the Amazing China exhibition at 2019 London Craft Week from May 10 to 12, and the signing of MOU between Britain's Tate Gallery and Shanghai's Pudong Museum of Art.
Minister Counselor Yu Peng said at the opening speech that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and also the 40th anniversary of the signing of China-UK cultural cooperation agreement.
In recent years, there have been strong demands for British culture in China. The V&A, the British Museum, the British Library and the Philharmonia Orchestra have been attracting huge audiences in China. "Meanwhile, we are seeing an increasing appreciation in the UK for Chinese culture, too," he said.
The Terracotta Warriors exhibition in Liverpool was one of the most popular museum exhibitions of last year. The Chinese New Year Celebration at the Trafalgar Square attracted really big crowds this year.
"Cultural exchange is crucial in forging a mutual understanding between our two nations. And it will also help us encourage bilateral cooperation in culture and tourism," he noted.
The China Weeks is part of a global effort. A total of 19 China National Tourist Offices and 34 China Cultural Centers overseas joined hands to host various events globally during the following two months, presenting beautiful China with different cultural activities for increasing inbound tourism.
