The first China Women's Culture Month opened Wednesday in Beijing to mark the upcoming Women's Day on March 8.

Successful career women from the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan will gather at a forum in Beijing to discuss over topical issues among urban women.

The forum will attract a dozen female celebrities from Hong Kong and Taiwan, including Luqiu Luwei, a reporter with Hong Kong's Phoenix TV, who rose to fame for her bravery in reporting the Iraq War last spring.

The participants will discuss four topics including careers, marriage, family and fashion with their mainland counterparts.

A group of 15 women from the mainland will also go to Hong Kong and Taiwan, said Mu Jianmin, president of Beijing Hopeful Culture Development Ltd. Co, one of the organizers.

The activities also include performances by over 30 male singers and an opera about love and marriage.

The Culture Month aimed to strengthen communication between the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said Mu.

The Culture Month was jointly organized by China Capital Association of Woman Reporters, Shenzhou Television Ltd. Co. and Beijing Hopeful Culture Development Ltd. Co..

(Xinhua News Agency March 4, 2004)