China Daily Information Corp has entered into a partnership with X3D Technologies Corp of the United States, which will enable North American readers to have a better eyeview of China's ancient culture through the latest high technology on the Internet.

Zhao Qizheng, minister in charge of the State Council's Information Office, launched the opening of the website, www.x3dchina.com in New York on October 21. The web site, celebrating Chinese culture is created by chinadaily.com.cn and X3D Technologies Corp, for the purpose of showcasing and sharing China's uniquely rich culture in true 3 dimensions on the Internet.

"There's no better way to achieve a mutual understanding than by learning about our respective cultures," said Zhao. "China wants to know more about the world and the world wants to know more about China -- a process that is facilitated via technology. The partnership between chinadaily.com.cn and X3D is like a bridge that will make learning easier for people on both sides."

World readers are welcome to experience China's uniquely rich culture and heritage in true 3 dimensions on this special website, said Zhang Ping, president of chinadaily.com.cn. "Through a guided 3-dimensional (3D) tour of China's past, present and future, readers are expected to get a taste of the Oriental culture, explore the skylines of China's fastest growing cities, and discover the long enduring traditions and culture that make China a truly unique nation."

Mr. Armand Rousso, the founder of X3D company, was also present at the launch ceremony. The X3D screens are the product of revolutionary hardware and software that allow consumers to see radically life-like 3D images float deep inside and up to three feet in front of the screen, with the naked eye.

The joint venture is supported by the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China and the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in New York.

A number of business, banking officials from China and the US attended the ceremony, including officials from Intel, Citibank, Bank of America, and Siemens. The event also attracted journalists from more than 40 media groups, such as AP, ABC, CNN, Fortune Magazine, Newsweek, and CBS.

The unveiling of the website was displayed on a giant screen using X3D "floating" images.

(China Daily October 22, 2003)