Jointly run by the Chinese embassy in Argentina, the municipal government of the Argentine seaside city of Mar del plata as well as the city university, the Month of Chinese Culture kicked off on Friday evening.

The opening ceremony, held at the city conference center, was presented by Zhang Tuo, Chinese ambassador to Argentina, and president of the University of Mar del plata, each of whom made warm speeches.

The ambassador was also conferred the title of Honored Guest by the city government.

Activities of the Chinese culture month in the city include exhibitions of pictures, lectures as well as film and TV program shows.

A Chinese picture exhibition was held in the grand theater of the conference center, where nearly 100 pictures, along with flying kites, ancient Chinese costumes and currencies on exhibition, gave viewers glimpses of the Chinese society from various perspectives.

The city university, middle and primary schools are also scheduled to hold various activities to introduce Chinese culture during the month.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2006)