A Chongqing-Toulouse Culture Festival has opened in Toulouse, France, as part of the Sino-French Culture Year programs. During the span, artistic and cultural events from Chongqing municipality will be stirring things up in the French city.

Folk arts line the China Street in Toulouse drawing crowds of spectators. The visiting Chinese also brought exhibitions, dramas, concerts and local operas to the art-loving Toulouse people. They aim to offer a new insight into the Chinese culture.

Chongqing and Toulouse established their friendly city relations in 1982. The current festival is expected to spark a new round of exchanges between the two cities. It's also regarded a shining pearl threaded on the chain of the Sino-French Culture Year.

(CCTV February 27, 2004)