In the northern city of Lille in France, this year's cultural capital of Europe, has ushered in a Shanghai Week as part of the ongoing celebrations for the Year of Chinese Culture in France.

This may look like Shanghai's famous Nanjing Road. But, the one-kilometer-long boulevard is actually a main street in downtown Lille. Setting the stage to show off the best of the Orient are red lanterns, billboards of famous restaurants, and a teahouse pavilion right in front of the city's opera house.

Vice Mayor of Shanghai Yang Xiaodu told CCTV: "The idea of a Shanghai street in Lille is part of the cultural exchange program between the two cities. We are definitely glad to be here. Lille is a city with strong cultural appeal. Our presence can make it more diversified."

Martine Aubry, mayor of Lille, said: "I think Shanghai is, to us, a metaphor for eternity, the mystery and the vigor of an ancient country like China. Today we transform a main street to imitate Shanghai's Nanjing road. We want to show people of Lille the culture of Shanghai, the lifestyle of the city and the friendship of the Chinese people."

Younger generations in Lille may not have had much contact with Chinese culture. But, dragon dancing, traditional Chinese musical instruments and contemporary Chinese films are certainly delighting them. Many people say, they want to see more performances by Chinese artists.

(CCTV.com March 8, 2004)