The Year of Cultural Exchange between China and the UK marks the fruitful achievements of bilateral relations in order to show innovative images and the colorful cultures of the two nations, said a senior Chinese cultural official before President Xi Jinping's state visit to the UK.

Cultural exchange has become one of the major pillars of bilateral ties, said Luo Shugang, Chinese minister of culture, in an interview with the People’s Daily.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, the cultural relationship between China and the UK has witnessed healthy and steady development. The first China-Britain mechanism for high-level cultural exchanges was launched in 2012.

Luo said an overall model led by the governments and participated in by society in line with marketing rules has taken shape in the UK-China cultural exchanges and cooperation. A series of influential cultural activities has been organized under the support of both governments.

During the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and 2012 London Olympic Games, the “China Now” festival and “UK Now” project were launched respectively in both countries, which covered culture, economy, trade, education, science, technology, sports and many other areas. The two events not only helped create good cultural atmospheres for the Olympic Games, but also brought fresh air to bilateral cultural exchanges.

In his official visit to China in March this year, Prince William launched the start of the UK season of the 2015 UK-China Year of Cultural Exchange by dotting the eye of Shaun the Sheep, a sculpture of the internationally acclaimed cartoon character.

Luo noted that this season was expected to show the status quo and development trend of contemporary British art. At the same time, with the theme of "Innovative China", the China season was launched in Britain in the second half year.

In recent years, a number of cultural institutions and art groups, such as the National Museum of China, the Palace Museum, the National Library of China, the National Centre for the Performance Arts, the National Theatre of China, and British museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, the British library, the Royal Opera House, The Royal National Theatre, have conducted numerous performances in the two countries.

Luo indicated that with the further development of cultural exchange, the two nations will strengthen their effort in the education of art talents. （Source: People’s Daily）