"China and the Olympics" is the theme of this year's International Sand Sculpture Festival in the coastal city of Jesolo in northeastern Italy.

The purpose of dedicating the festival to China was to "let more people know about the unique culture of this eastern country and foster friendship between the Chinese people and the rest of the world," city mayor Francesco Calzavara told Xinhua on Wednesday.

The Great Wall, giant pandas, the five-ring Olympic emblem and Chinese people in ancient costumes are vividly represented in the works of 16 artists from 16 countries including the United States, Russia, Britain, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan and Singapore.

Over 1,400 visitors from Italy and other parts of Europe have been visiting the sculptures daily since the festival opened on June 19, organizers said.

A successful Beijing Olympics has become the common aspiration of people around the world, they added.

Jesolo's annual International Sand Sculpture Festival was launched 11 years ago and has become one of the must-visit events for travelers to the seaside resort.

(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2008)