If you live in Beijing, some of the world's top prints are now just a taxi ride away. The 2003 Beijing International Prints Biennial opened at the Yanhuang Art Museum on Saturday.

The exhibition features 300 prints selected from 520 entries, coming from 43 countries and regions. The wide geographical distribution and cultural diversity provide a broad range of subjects and styles. Visitors are offered an insight into the top achievements of modern prints.

"The artists' skills are consummate. There are some creative ideas, neither very realistic nor abstract," said Song Yuanwen, director of Prints Committee of China Artists Assoc.

These exquisite works of arts help broaden Chinese people's vision and bring them esthetic appreciation. "I found it a great artistic enjoyment," said a visitor.

"If we're able to carry on the exhibition in the following years, I believe there will be excellent achievement and it will earn a reputation worldwide," said Dong Guiqiang, deputy director of Biennial Organizing Committee.

The exhibition is a valuable opportunity for the 200 artists from Asia, Europe, America and Australia to exchange ideas on the development of paints in the new century. Organizers hope the Biennial can live up to its name and be held every two years, following international practice. The exhibition runs through September 18.

(CCTV.com September 8, 2003)