Dear friends,

Welcome to China!

We assume that China is not a strange country to you. Even if this is your very first visit, you must have heard or read about her before the journey. Seeing is believing. Now that you are here, walking your own feet in the local streets, seeing the real life with your own eyes and listening to stories about this nation from its own people, are you finding a China somewhat different from what you have known or imagined or remembered? Do you feel tempted to share what you see and hear here with your families, friends and colleagues, and maybe more of your countrymen?

Many visitors to China have written down their observations when they returned home and some have even had their storied published or have taken interviews by local media. We are happy to have received copies of their articles or video clips and are convinced that sharing true stories is the best way to enhance understanding, dispel misconception, and disseminate goodwill.

That is why we take the pleasure to announce that China Foundation for Peace and Development (CFPD) is initiating a contest themed "My China Story" in the second half of 2013. We sincerely hope that you could join in by sending us stories about your experience in China. The prize winners will be invited to come back for another visit to get more insightful understanding of this country and of the political force leading her development—the Communist Party of China. We'll promise you an uncommon visit, in which you will meet face-to-face with Chinese citizens from different walks of life and will have a chance to talk in person with senior Chinese leaders. International travel and local expenses will be covered by the CFPD.

If you are interested in taking part in the contest, please send in your entries–published articles or interviews–in form of prints, CDs or web links either by post or via e-mail to the following addresses:

Postal Address:

"My China Story" Organizing Committee

China Foundation for Peace and Development

Bloc 17, No. 15, Wanshou Road, Haidian District

Beijing, 100036

People's Republic of China

E-mail Address:

lookchina@cfpd.org.cn

For more information or any inquiries, please feel free to contact us by logging on our website at http://www.cfpd.org.cn or email us at the above address.

We wish you a pleasant stay.

China Foundation for Peace and Development