The Berlin municipal government initiated the bi-annual international event, for the purpose of promoting exchanges and cooperation between the city of Berlin and the Asia-Pacific region.

The Third Asia-Pacific Weeks Berlin this year will be held September 17-30. China, together with other countries from Asia-Pacific region, will participate in the event at the invitation of the municipal government of Berlin.

As the leading organizer for China, the Information Office is responsible for coordinating preparations of the concerned governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, State Administration of Cultural Heritage, State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, State Environmental Protection Administration and the Beijing municipal government.

The Qingzhou Buddhist stone carvings from Longxing Temple in Shandong Province, which date back more than 1,500 years, are scheduled to be shown during the festival. The stone carvings were listed as one of China's top 10 archaeological finds in 1996, said an official from the Information Office.

In addition, there will be a costume and adornment show displaying the dress of more than 50 ethnic nationalities over the past 2,000 years. There will also be a Chinese Film Week and a Chinese Theme Park at the festival.

The Chinese organizers will also decorate in Chines style the Unten den Linden, Kurfuerstendamm and Brandenburger Tor.

China hopes that the event will offer another opportunity for increasing dialogue and exchange with Germany and the whole of Europe, the official said.

The Information Office successfully hosted "A Close Look at China - Experience Chinese Culture in the US" in 2000 and "Paris - Chinese Cultural Week" in 1999.

(Xinhua 02/22/2001)