Yearender: highlights in cultural exchange between China and the world in 2014

Chinese actors from Shantou perform folk music at the launch ceremony of the Chinese Cultural Center in Sydney. [Photo/world.people.com.cn]

China Cultural Centers

In the year 2014, the development of the China Cultural Center entered an acceleration period, drawing great attention from the world. According to the national plan for overseas cultural centers (2012-2020) approved by the State Council, by 2020 China will have established 50 culture centers.

By the end of 2014, 20 China Cultural Centers had been established abroad, including one set up in June 2014 in Copenhagen - the first China Cultural Center in Northern Europe; one set up in September 2014 in Sri Lanka - the first in Southeast Asia and one set up in November 2014 in Sydney - the first in Oceania. They provided cultural activities, training courses and served as an information service. Over 1,000 activities, such as stage performances, exhibitions and lectures were organized, which were well received by more than two million people.

In addition, the unveiling ceremony of the Chinese Culture House overseas was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Dec 31, 2014. To meet the increasing need oversees for tightening cultural ties with China, a “Chinese culture house” was built as a culture exchange institution that promotes and explores the development of Chinese culture abroad. The one in Phnom Penh is the first of its kind.