A beautiful exhibition of fine arts, calligraphy and photography works by Chinese artists opened in Hanoi on Wednesday as part of a series of activities to celebrate the 61st anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The exhibition was co-organized by Vietnam-China Cultural Exchange Club and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Federation of Literature and Art, drawing Vietnamese and Chinese government officials, artists and viewers.

Nguyen Van Tinh, head of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam said at the opening ceremony that Vietnam and China have experienced a long- lasting relationship in the past 61 years.

The cultural exchange plays an important role in the two countries' relations. This exhibition was also an activity to welcome the coming eleventh Vietnam's Communist Party's Congress, said Tinh.

Xie Lin, executive vice chairman of Guangxi Artists' Association, head of Chinese delegation said the exhibition showcased over 130 works by famous Chinese artists of painting, calligraphy and photography.

The works showed China-Vietnam's friendship relations, nature and people of Chinese's Guangxi Province, said Lin.

The exhibition provided a chance for Vietnamese viewers to get to know about art and calligraphy, two of the most sophisticated characteristics of Chinese culture, said Lin.

The two countries are scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding on promoting cultural cooperation during the exhibition, said Lin.

(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2011)