Artists and stage performers from the capital of south China's Guangdong Province will make a big splash in Europe soon, via a series of cultural campaigns.

As part of China-France Culture Year, which started in 2003, Guangdong Culture Week will run from June 15.

People in France's Province-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region will have a chance to taste the martial arts-based lion dance, traditional paper cutting and puppet shows, all of which are said to have originated from Guangdong.

Guangdong Province and the Provene-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region established a "sister province" relationship in Guangzhou on May 24, 2000.

Organized by the Guangdong Department of Culture and the provincial government, the event will also touch on trade and tourism, according to Li Ningyi, director of the Foreign Affairs Office under the culture department.

Apart from the cultural activities, the provincial government will organize a delegation composed of performers and entrepreneurs to take part in the event.

The highlights of the week will be a photo exhibition called "Today's Guangdong" and live shows by Guangdong's folk artists.

Officials say the events will help enhance mutual understanding of culture and encourage more tourists to visit Guangdong.

(China Daily June 2, 2004)