The 11th China Culture Week opened Wednesday in the western Venezuelan city of Merida.

The event, co-sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela and Merida's Andean University, is designed to promote cultural exchange and friendship between the two countries, said Chen Ping, counselor in charge of political affairs at the Chinese embassy, in his inaugural address.

This year's culture week features a special photo exhibition titled Beijing Welcomes You, which will provide a glimpse of the city's history, culture and civil life, and its preparations for the Olympics, Chen said.

The upcoming Beijing Olympics will showcase China's accomplishments and development, enhance understanding between Chinese people and peoples across the world, and promote peace, harmony and unity, the political affairs counselor added.

Over 200 people attended the opening ceremony of the event, during which some 20 Chinese documentaries and feature films will be screened.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2008)