China and France, hubs of Oriental and Occidental heritage, have a continuous cultural dialogue. This Monday (January 27) marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The celebration is thrusting Sino-French exchanges to new highs. Lin Shaowen has more   
  
Culture is an important part of relations between China and France, with both nations boasting a splendid cultural legacy. This is in no small part due to the value placed on culture by both countries' leaders.

In 1999 and 2000, China held two large scale cultural activities in France, the Paris China Culture Week and the China Culture Season, sparking a renewed interested in China with the French.

With growing exchanges, the people and artists of the two countries are more and more eager to learn about each other's history, culture and arts. The China-France Culture Year started last October has been serving this need well.

The French media has increased its coverage of China. Broadcast and print media have been carrying a considerable amount of information about the Middle Kingdom, from Confucius to ballet, Kung-fu to fashion shows. Chinese cinema is just one of the facets to receive a warm welcome from French art lovers. Yuan Wenqing is from the China Film Group Corporation. He says they have held several special screenings in Paris of Chinese cinema classics. He recalls how a silent picture by late director Sun Yu touched the heartstrings of French
"All 300 seats were occupied and even the walkways were crowded. When the film ended, the audience gave a thunderous round of applause. It was screened another two times."

And in China, French culture is every bit as popular. Young people in particular are crazy about the movies, literature, music and fashion, from what they worship as a romantic western country.

This July, another important cultural event will be held in Beijing, to promote French culture in China. Judging by the first round of exchanges, it looks like being a tremendous experience for all involved.

Editor: Catherine