China's relationship with Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa is more than just about inter-governmental meetings and trade. It's also about understanding each other's history and cultures. In the lead up to the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg next week, the China Shelf Exhibition opened up in the city. It features a range of books on the country and its President Xi Jinping. Julie Scheier has the story.

The China Shelf Exhibition, at the University of Johannesburg, is a collection of books from China, showcasing the country, its leader and its history.

DAVID MONYAE, CO-DIRECTOR CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG "it comes at a time when South Africa and China are celebrating 20-year anniversary since 1988 as well as the state visit by President Xi which will start on the 23rd. And then lead up to the BRICS summit, so all these events are coming together in a manner of the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries, and strengthen the bond particularly in education."

China's rise from poverty has also been well documented, and contains valuable lessons for South Africa and other developing countries.

KHANYISILE MFABA, STUDENT CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG "I think with reading these types of books we can actually take some of the information and actually try to implement them in our communities, we know that Chinese people are extremely hard working, so they help us with coming up with business ideas, and various innovative ideas as well, I think we could actually use those ideas and implement them in Africa and hopefully help fight poverty as well, and create more jobs."

JULIE SCHEIER JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA "Books plays an important part when connecting people, and through these books South African readers can deepen their understanding of contemporary China."

MICHELE LIU, TEACHER CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG "I think this exhibition is very important because China and South Africa we are old friends, we have a lot of cooperation on many fields, furthermore the BRICS meeting is coming soon, so I think at this exact moment we have this book exhibition will contribute for a good relationship between China and South Africa."

So, if you want to catch a glimpse of the China story, it will be on exhibit for the next few weeks. JS, CGTN, JHB, SA.