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Chinese Government Invites Closer Look at Chinese Culture
China unveiled a free exhibit Tuesday in New York to offer visitors a closer look at the country that has the world's largest population.
The stated intention of the exhibit titled, ``A Close Look at China,'' which is sponsored by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and Ministry of Culture, is to offer New Yorkers the opportunity to view the beauty and diversity of China.
``The understanding between peoples is the most important thing to stress when discussing the relationship between two nations,'' said Zhao Qizheng, director of SCIO.
The exhibit at the Jacob Javits Center, in conjunction with a series of performances, exhibits and lectures in eight cities around the country, presents the past 2,000 years of Chinese culture in three parts -- art, fashion, and travel.
The first section, titled ``Masterworks of Contemporary Chinese Art,'' displays hundreds of works in a wide variety of media and styles.
Elaborate jade carvings and beautifully painted ceramic vases sit side-by-side with laquerware-framed silk screens.
There is even a full color, etched porcelain slab depicting former President Ronald Reagan shaking hands with the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.
The second section presents the changing face of Chinese fashion, dating from the Warring States period before 221 B.C., up to the death of the Qing dynasty in 1911.
The centerpiece of the fashion section is a cutting-edge runway show, complete with models displaying modern interpretations of traditional dress.
The runway is ringed on one side with display cases filled with examples of Ming and Qing dynasty ceremonial and imperial robes, and on the other with modern styles inspired by traditional themes.
The travel section of the exhibit seeks to entice Americans to visit China by presenting wild dioramas of famed Chinese historical sites, such as the Great Wall of China.
The ten-day culture blitz, which concludes Sept. 15, is timed to coincide with Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to the United Nations for its Millennium Summit.
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