The 58th Geneva Festival opens on August 4 with China featuring as this year's "Guest of Honor" Country.

The annual carnival in Switzerland has been the highlight of the summer season since 1947, attracting crowds of people to the shores of Lake Geneva for concerts, food and exhibits of crafts from around the world.

Since 1997, the festival hosts have invited one country per year to be their "Guest of Honor" and showcase that country's culture.

China being this year's special guest, the 2005 Geneva Festival will provide a series of China-themed programs to introduce to the audience from all over the world the time-honored magnificence of the Chinese civilization.

This year is the 55th anniversary of the China's opening of diplomatic relations with Switzerland and the two countries has just signed a deal as tourist destination partners.

The Geneva Tourism Administration estimates that 3 million people will attend this year's festival.

The United Nations which celebrates its 60th birthday this year will also enjoy related celebrations at the UN Palace of Nations in Geneva during the festival.

(CRI.com August 3, 2005)