"A Close Look at China" -- a free cultural celebration will make its US debut in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from September 6 through September 15, said an official news release issued Friday in Chicago.

Sponsored by China's Information Office of the State Council and the Ministry of Culture, the exhibition will offer an unprecedented chance for Americans to look at the beauty and diversity of Chinese culture.

The exhibit will feature Chinese fashion, art and tourism. Top Chinese models in traditional costumes and the latest fashion by the best Chinese designers, will perform as part of a spectacular display of 2000 years of Chinese fashion history.

The event will showcase a 300-piece collection of rare Chinese art and sculpture from master craftsmen and contemporary artisans, including carved jadeware, stone and wooden sculptures, pottery, porcelain and metal work.

A stunning travel exhibit that takes visitors on "A Journey Through China" will explore landscapes and diverse cultural traditions of the 56 regions of China, including such famous historical sites as the "Peking Man," the Great Wall and the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

(Xinhua 09/02/2000)