January sees the start of China in London 2006, a major season of events and activities designed to celebrate Chinese arts and culture and the historic links between London and China.

China in London 2006 will begin at the end of January with the annual Chinese New Year parade and festival, organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, to mark the Year of the Dog.

From films to lanterns to an edible city

Throughout February and March all things Chinese will be promoted across London, with activities ranging from exhibitions to performance and film, window displays and food tasting, and the promotion of Chinese literature and language. Planned activities include:

-The Shanghai on Screen film festival when a range of new and classic Chinese films will be shown at cinemas in central London, and at the Museum of Docklands.

-A window display at Selfridges department store in Oxford Street designed by Chinese artist Wang Qingsong. Inside the store artist Song Dong will create an edible city out of sweets and biscuits.

-A Chinese style lantern display in Oxford Circus.

-A Beijing Olympics exhibition at London's City Hall.

-A Chinese poetry on the London Underground. Chinese poetry with English translations and calligraphy by Qu Lei Lei will be posted on underground trains throughout the network.

The season will culminate at the end of March with the start of The China Cup 2006 yacht race from London to Shanghai.

Richness and diversity of Chinese culture

In announcing the plans for China in London 2006, Ken Livingston, the Mayor of London said: "China is the most dynamic economy in the world and London is the world's most international city. Our city can only benefit from the strongest possible business, economic, tourism and cultural links with China.

China in London 2006 will celebrate that vast country's rich cultural history and the Chinese community's contribution to the cultural and economic life of our capital, underlining the ties that have existed between London and China over hundreds of years."

He added that he hoped China in London 2006 would be a unique opportunity for Londoners and visitors alike to develop a greater understanding of the richness and diversity of Chinese culture.

China in London 2006 is being organized through a partnership between Visit London, the London Chinatown Chinese Association and the Royal Academy of Arts (whose exhibition 'China: The Three Emperors, 1662-1795' will be a cornerstone of the season). Other partners include the New West End Company (covering the Oxford Street and Regent Street areas) as well as leading cultural institutions.

(People's Daily January 11, 2006)