SHENZHEN - The European Union Youth Delegation arrived at South China's Shenzhen on Tuesday, starting a seven-day visit that would help promote intercultural dialogue between European and Chinese youth.

The visit is part of a series of activities between the Youth of China and European Union in 2011, which has been designated as the China-EU Year of Youth.

It is also another flagship event after the China-EU Youth Week held last month in Xi'an.

During their visit, the members of the delegation will attend the world university students' beach concert, watch the opening ceremony of the 26th Universiade, participate in the China-EU Youth Forum and visit cities like Guangzhou and Dongguan.

Sofia Graziani, who is from the University of Venice in Italy and a Peking University visiting scholar, said she was looking forward to discussing with Chinese youths about the Youth's participations in public policies in the coming forum.

Doctor Boris Mladenov, who is from Bulgaria, said he expected to learn more about Chinese culture, and also hoped to make Chinese friends after the event.

Promoted by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, the China-EU Year of Youth aims to promote and deepen partnership between China and Europe by strengthening people-to-people links and cooperation in various fields.