Wu Guanzhong, 85, one of the best-known artists in China, launched the Beijing part of his worldwide traveling exhibition of wash paintings Friday, after the successful first leg in Paris.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Wu is a member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee.

On display are over 70 ink and wash paintings done by Wu from the 1970s to 2002.

The exhibition is scheduled to tour for three-four years and after Beijing, it will go to London, New York, Berlin, and Tokyo, organizers said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency July 3, 2004)