China Culture Week Opens in Paris 　　The China Culture Week -- `99 Paris was formally opened Wednesday evening on September 1 at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. 　　Ding Guangen, member of the Political Bureau and minister of Publicity of the CPC Central Committee, with Secretary General Frederico Mayor of UNESCO and French Minister of Culture and Communications Catherine Trautmann, cut the ribbon. Put on display will be a wide range of exhibits showing the history, culture, science and social, economic and technological progress of China until September 12. 　　The opening ceremony was held in the garden of UNESCO building, which was decorated with many red Chinese flags used for festival activities, and a giant lion wearing a red costume. About 500 French friends from all walks of life attended the ceremony. 　　China Cultural Week is the largest of its kind ever held in Europe. Jointly held by China and UNESCO, it will help the French people and other peoples of the world know better the history and present of China, its science and art, and its reform and development, said Zhao Qizheng, director of Information Office of the State Council of China. 　　The UNESCO secretary general said that China has an ancient civilization with a rich culture. He said that the Cultural Week will show the world not only China's ancient civilization, but also its dynamic present. 　　The French minister of culture said that France has long been fascinated by China's great long-lived culture. She said the cultural Week provides French people with a rare chance to better understand China's past and present. 　　To make the event a success, China has sent a 320-person delegation representing government officials, scientists, scholars, artists and craftsmen who will make speeches, hold seminars, play hosts for visitors and give artistic performances during the festival. 　　Many show-items, representative of the country's cultural and historical features, including a set of 2,400-year-old chime bells, ceramics, paintings, sculptures and a miniature Peking Opera theater, are on display. 　　Some government ministries are exhibiting the examples of social, economic, scientific, technological, educational and cultural achievements made by China in the past 50 years. 　　The Shanghai and Beijing municipal governments are displaying the models of modernization planning for their cities, including the development of Shanghai Pudong New Area and the renovation plan for the ancient city of Beijing. (Xinhua) WorldNews 1999-09-03 Page1 Full Story in Chinese