An exhibition on prints and landscape in China's Chongqing Municipality opened on Wednesday in New Zealand, offering visitors a great opportunity to learn about the unique culture in southwest China.

More than 100 local residents and guests participated in the exhibition, featuring over 60 paintings by farmers from Chongqing's Qijiang County and more than 30 photos of the Nanchuan World Natural Heritage Scenery.

The event is hosted by the China Cultural Center in Wellington and Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development.

New Zealand's artist Sylvia Williams said that the paintings showcased the Chinese people's talent and profound Chinese civilization. She enjoyed the exhibition and would like to go to Chongqing to further explore.

Tan Jialing, vice chairwoman of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, introduced Chongqing's plan to make the city a cultural and tourist destination and invited people from New Zealand to visit the city.

"This year is the China-New Zealand year of tourism. We are looking forward to enhancing exchanges with New Zealand on culture and tourism," said Tan.

Deputy Consul-General of China in Auckland Xiao Yewen acknowledged this exhibition as a great opportunity to promote bilateral exchange between China and New Zealand, as well as Chongqing and Auckland.

"China is New Zealand's second largest tourist market and the number of two-way visits reached 600,000 last year. Tourism has played an important role in promoting people-to-people exchange and mutual understandings between the two countries, bringing great impetus to facilitate our social and economic development," said Xiao.