SYDNEY, Sep 14 -- “Color of West China - Thangka and Painting Exhibition”Opening Ceremony was held in Sydney on 12 September. As an integral part of the series of cultural exchange program “Experience China - Cultural Exploration of West China”, the exhibition will be a window for Australian people to understand the pluralistic and integrated Chinese culture.

Vice minister of the Publicity Department, CCCPC Mr. Sun Zhijun, Ambassador of China to Australia Mr. Ma Zhaoxu, Consul General of the Consulate-General of China in Sydney Mr. Li Huaxin, Director of the Bureau of Human Rights Affairs, the Publicity Department, CCCPC Mr. Lu Guangjin, Vice President of the Chinese Artists Association Mr. Wu Changjiang and many Australian officials attended the opening ceremony.

40 pieces of oil paintings, ink paintings, prints, watercolors and 14 pieces of thangka are on display to reveal the magnificent natural scenery, colorful folk customs and the hardworking and devout people of all ethnic groups in West China. Being declared the World Intangible Cultural Heritage, thangka represents the distinctive art form and style of traditional Tibetan culture featuring strong religious beliefs, wisdom and exquisite craftsmanship. (People's Daily Online/ Chuyi Sheng)