A beautiful exhibition of painting and calligraphy works by Chinese and Vietnamese artists was held in Hanoi on Thursday as part of a series of cultural activities to celebrate the 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

A calligrapher (2nd L) from Vietnam creates works in Vietnam-China Paintings and Calligraphy Exhibition in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, January 21, 2010. About 60 works from Vietnamese and Chinese calligraphers and painters are displayed in National Library of Vietnam. The exhibition marks the prelude to the 2010 "China and Vietnam Friendship" culture exchange year. [Xinhua photo]

Ten Chinese artists came from China's northern Tianjin Municipality with their works to participate in the exhibition. Around 60 works by calligraphers and painters of the two countries were on display.

"The cultural exchange between Vietnam and China has been intensive in recent years," said Chinese ambassador to Vietnam Sun Guoxiang at the exhibition.

"The exhibition is a great opportunity for the two peoples to share their splendid culture. It will help consolidate traditional friendship between the two countries," said Tran Chien Thang, vice culture, sports and tourism minister of Vietnam at the exhibition.

The exhibition was held in Vietnam's southern Ho Chi Minh City last week.