The French Culture Year in China, which was launched in last October, will conclude this month with three major events, including the performance by Paris Opera Ballet, the evening ball in the Summer Palace, and the jamboree on the Great Wall.

Pu Tong, a senior official with the Chinese Ministry of Culture, said here Tuesday that the French Culture Year, as the latter half of the Chinese-French Culture Year jointly advocated by leaders of the two countries, has covered more than 20 Chinese provincial areas with hundreds of performance, exhibitions, symposiums, etc.

"The French Culture Year has shown the Chinese people not only the rich cultural heritage of France, but also the great achievements of the French people in industrial innovation," Pu said.

According to him, the 344-year Paris Opera Ballet, ranking one of the four top ballets in the world, will stage a performance of three dancing operas in Beijing from Sept. 16 to 17. The three masterpieces were BOLERO, Arlesienne and White, whose artistic expression respectively reflected the French spirit.

On Sept. 17, an evening ball will be held in the Summer Palace. Around 2,000 Chinese and French people will be invited to watch a performance jointly staged by artists of two sides, and an exhibition on Chinese traditional handicraft.

From Sept. 17 to 18, French artists, handicraftsmen and chefs will give performances, exhibitions and delicious foods on the Great Wall. The Chinese audience will also see the pictures of French scenic spots on a 1,200-meter canvas.

Apart from these activities, well-known French film star Sophie Marceau will present on the film show of her repertoire in Beijing and Chengdu, from Sept. 15 to 20. In Shanghai, the French Culture Year will have a ceremonious conclusion in Giselle by Paris Opera Ballet and expo on the collections of French King Louis XIV.

Jean-Pierre ANGREMY, chairman of the joint commission for Chinese-French Culture Year on the French side, said there will be no ending to the Chinese-French Culture Year, since the exchanges between the two peoples will never end.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2005)