A cultural exhibition "Experience China, Charming Beijing" opened here Saturday as part of the 89th International Esperanto Conference.

The one-week exhibition introduces in ways of pictures and captions China's world heritage sites, urban construction of Beijing, Chinese historical relics, people's daily life, Chinese culture and art, folk handicrafts and China's preparation work for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Some Esperanto books and magazines issued by China in recent years are also on display during the exhibition.

Cai Mingzhao, deputy director of the Information Office of the State Council, addressed the opening ceremony, saying that this exhibition aims to make friends from all over the world to the conference know more about China and Beijing during these days.

He said the theme of this exhibition means that Esperanto speakers worldwide can experience China's traditional culture and modern development; meanwhile, they can also enjoy themselves in Beijing with a history of more than 3,000 years and feel its unique fascination.

Among those present at the opening ceremony were officials from the Information Office of the State Council, the Beijing Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee, China Radio International and Universal Esperanto Association.

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2004)