China may not have been the first to make bronze wares, but it was certainly one of the best when it began three thousand years ago. Bronze making was considered one of the greatest contributions China has made to the world. Now the city of Tongling, one of China's ancient bronze capitals, celebrates its 3,000-year old tradition with a grand culture festival.

Located in eastern China's Anhui Province, the city of Tongling is known as the "ancient bronze capital of China". With rich natural resources, the city has a bronze-making history of 3,000 years. Today, Copper mining and brass coining are its main industries.

Launched in 1992, this year will be the 8th "China Tongling Bronze Culture Expo". Anhui provincial officials and Tongling city officials hosted a press conference for it on Tuesday morning in Beijing.

The three-week event will kick off September 28th in Tongling City. Visitors will have a chance to see some 1,400 pieces of precious ancient bronze wares that were unearthed in the place. There will also be concerts and dramas. Over 20 singers from Taiwan, Hong Kong and the mainland will pay a melodious tribute to the city's glorious tradition at the opening concert titled "Soul of Bronze Capital".

The city hopes to attract more investment as well as tourists with the cultural expo, which will go until October 22.

(CCTV.com July 28, 2004)