An Olympic-themed exhibition of Chinese art opened at Les Invalides in Paris on Monday.

More than 200 artwork pieces from China are on display, including Chinese ink-and-wash paintings, calligraphy, oil paintings, sculptures, and intangible cultural heritage items.

The event, called "From Beijing to Paris: Olympic Tour of Chinese and French Artists," is co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG), the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, Ligue de Football Professionnel, and several French art organizations.

Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of CMG, said in a speech that sports and art are important components of human culture, adding that the beauty of sports and the beauty of art complement each other.

It is of great significance to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France and usher in such a historic cultural event in the year of the Paris Olympics, said David Lappartient, president of the French Olympic Committee. He noted that the art exhibition interprets the fusion of strength and beauty through the combination of sports and art, and conveys the concepts of peace and friendship.

Vincent Labrune, president of the Ligue de Football Professionnel, said that football shows the beauty of strength and passion and that Chinese art is a treasure of human civilization and has a profound influence on French art. He expressed hope that more French people will appreciate the charm of Chinese art through this exhibition.

Sun Xiaoyun, chairperson of the China Calligraphers Association, said Chinese calligraphy is a unique art of oriental Chinese characters. It not only contains the exquisite soul of Chinese art, but also extends the realm of life and the way of self-cultivation.

The show, which aims to encourage cultural contact between China and France, is open to the public from May 7 to 18.