Amidst the deafening sound of gongs and drums of Beijing opera, an eight-month-long Chinese Culture & Arts Festival was opened in Brazil State Theater, Brasilia, June 12.

The Chinese Culture & Arts Festival, set in terms of the China-Brazil cultural exchange plan, will be staged in seven cities in Brazil.

Present at the opening ceremony were Brazil's first lady, many officials including Ministers, and an audience of over 2,000. An excellent performance of Beijing Opera was held at the opening ceremony, receiving warm welcome and thunderous applause.

Moreover, an Exhibition of Chinese Cultural Relic Copies, Chinese Modern Painting Exhibition, Beijing Opera's Plastic Arts Exhibition and Beijing Opera Photo Show will also be on during the festival.

(People' s Daily 06/14/2001)