Would you like to experience mystic Indian culture in a picturesque Chinese royal garden?

An Indian Carnival Week will take place from October 1 to 7 at the former residence of Soong Ching Ling (1893-1981) to the north of Houhai Lake in downtown Beijing.

Sponsored by the Soong Ching Ling Foundation and supported by the Indian Embassy in China, the event includes a series of lectures, exhibitions, performances, movies and food shows.

Visitors to the garden can listen to delightful Indian music, watch dances performed by Chinese and Indian artists, and enjoy special food, beer, whisky and soft drinks made by Indian chefs.

Lectures on Indian music, art, architecture, history, religion, tourism and latest development in science and technology are to be given by noted Chinese scholars.

The carnival is held to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the birth of Soong Ching Ling, widow of Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), leader of the country's democratic revolution to throw the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

In her former residence, ancient wooden pavilions, towers and mansions blend subtly into the scenic garden with ponds, rocks, willows and flowers.

(China Daily September 20, 2003)