China Intercontinental Press (CIP) published Friday eight magazines of the China City Series in three languages to cater to foreigners' need to know more about China.

Li Xiangping, editor-in-chief of CIP, said at a press briefing that 90 million overseas tourists traveled to China in 2003, and there are more than three million foreign residents and over 700,000 foreign students in China. The foreigners are eager to know more about China and seek magazines and books to suit their reading habits.

Li said the China City Series, including eight magazines in English, Japanese and Korean, were published simultaneously in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Yuan Bao'an, chief editor of the China City Series, said that thanks to China's fast development and the appeal of the Chinese culture, more people are focusing on China from all over the world.

These magazines will introduce traditional China, modern China and colorful, graceful China to foreigners, and help make their lives here convenient and comfortable, Yuan said.

The monthly magazines, mainly composed and edited by native speakers, introduce Chinese culture as well as provide vital information about enjoying the rich cultural offerings of China's cities.

CIP, founded in 1993, belongs to the Information Office of the State Council, which is a comprehensive cultural and communication organization that deals with press, film and television production, electronic video, international media and international cultural exchange.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2004)