Cultural exchange activities between China and foreign countries in 1999 have added splendid flavor to China's artistic stages, and the country's home-grown talent has won high acclaim overseas.

Included on the list of prestigious performers coming to China last year were the US National Orchestra, Japan's Takarazuka Revue Company, the British Royal Ballet and the Russian Kirov Ballet. Performances by various Chinese artists overseas included a cultural week about China in Paris, a performing tour of Japan by Chinese Beijing Opera artists and acrobatic troupes, and European trips by the Central Nationalities Orchestra and the Beijing Opera.

Statistics from the Cultural Ministry show that in 1999 China sent 486 performing groups and hosted 128 exhibitions abroad in addition to receiving 299 foreign groups and 99 exhibitions at home. Chinese cultural delegations visited about 20 countries and cultural delegations from more than 30 countries visited China.

Also last year, cultural minister Sun Jiazheng made an important visit to the US, the first by a government official inhis position in the past 20 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the PRC, photo exhibitions depicting China's half-century of progress were presented in 197 countries, and 14 photographers from 12 countrieswere invited to China to capture in pictures the country's changes.

Together with Chinese embassies and consulates in foreign countries, the Cultural Ministry sponsored contests of knowledge about China in 96 countries, attracting millions of participants. The contest has in fact become China's largest cultural promotion move abroad since the reform and opening up.

On the eve of the hand-over of Macao, the ministry also launch photo shows in 164 countries covering Macao's history and development.

This year, the Sino-foreign cultural exchanges face new opportunities and challenges, a senior official with the Ministry of Culture said. The ministry would put it at the priority to further promoting Chinese culture. In this promotion, advanced technologies would be introduced, including the establishment of acultural information network on the Internet by the end of this year.