(By CGTN's Zhang Ke)
A week-long event showcasing the culture of western China has opened at the Mermaid Theatre in London, offering a glimpse of the lesser-known region.
"Cultural Exploration of West China in the UK" is part of the Experience China series organized by the Information Office of the State Council.
It's the first time such an event has been held in the UK. The event includes an exhibition, folk dancing shows and two films focusing on southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
Lu Wei, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China, attended the opening ceremony.
He said: "Both China and the UK are important representatives of Oriental and Occidental civilizations. Cultural exchanges between the two countries have been going on for hundreds of years and played an irreplaceable role in promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples. I hope more people in the UK can become familiar with China's multi-ethnic culture through this exhibition."
China's Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming also attended the ceremony. He said that the culture of West China, one of the greatest potential areas of growth, is an important part of Chinese civilization.
He expressed hope that the activity would add luster to Sino-British relations, which he said are in a "Golden Age."
After the ceremony, more than 600 guests visited the "Colourful West China" photo exhibition /CGTN Picture
After the ceremony, more than 600 guests visited the "Colourful West China" photo exhibition, which is comprised of 100 photographs and 18 cultural artifacts. The photos display the colorful customs and vibrant economic development of Western China.
They also enjoyed a singing and dancing performance by young artists from southwest China's Yunnan Province Song and Dance Theatre, into which performers have incorporated the daily life of China's ethnic minorities, such as the Zang, Miao and Yi.
The Cultural Exploration of West China exhibition will later roll out to Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin, Ireland.
