The Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai's most famous landmark, is now being linked with one of the most recognizable structures in the world, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. As part of France's Chinese Culture Year, the Oriental Pearl Tower is hosting an exhibition in its Parisian counterpart, to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France.

Beginning last Wednesday, the China-themed "Welcome to the Eiffel Tower" has been greeting visitors at the base of the 300 meter-high tower.

The first level of the Eiffel Tower is decorated with red lanterns, a symbol of festivities to celebrate China's Lunar New Year. The main focus of attention, however, is a photo exhibition on Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower. The pictures on display give visitors a fascinating view of the city of Shanghai.

As another part of the event, a traditional China tea ceremony is being held every afternoon at the Eiffel Tower's Altitude 95 bar, attracting throngs of visitors. Meanwhile, the menu of the tower's top-notch restaurant is featuring new additions prepared by Chinese chefs from Shanghai.

After nightfall, the Eiffel Tower takes on another symbol of China as it is lit up by beams of red light for the first time in its 120-year history. Later this year in October, an exhibition on the Eiffel Tower will be held in Shanghai at the Oriental Pearl Tower.

(CCTV.com February 4, 2004)