Ethnic groups and minorities came together as one yesterday, when up to 2,000 works of traditional Chinese art were showcased in the Youth Palace in Shenzhen.

The South China city is playing host to the ongoing First China Youth Culture Week.

The exhibition is one of seven major activities of the event, which lasts from Saturday to Wednesday.

About 10,000 young people from around China joined in the opening ceremony at the city's China Folk Culture Village, in a bid to promote cultural exchanges and good will between youngsters nationwide.

About 3,000 of them are from Hong Kong and Macao.

Lui Man-tik, a college student from Hong Kong, said cultural exchanges like this are good opportunities to improve links between young people from the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao.

"We know little about young people on the mainland. They should also learn more about us. Communication should be mutually conducted," Lui said, expecting similar events to be held in the future.

"These programs and performances give us good experiences learning about the cultural heritage and Chinese tradition. I will bring friends next time."

Hong Kong eye doctor Pong Chiu Fai, who added his name to the ten thousands who joined in a signing name ceremony, said: "I am a Chinese, I love my motherland and I want to write it down to share with my mainland friends."

He brought his mother, Tso Shing Yuk, along.

"My son and I are both excited to meet so many youngsters from different minority groups from cities in China. Hong Kong grow up with more access to the Western concept and we feel such communication is crucial for them so they can learn more about nationality and patriotism," she said.

Teenagers from the mainland spoke about making friends from Hong Kong and Macao.

Zheng Shaoyun, a sophomore college student from Shenzhen, had just won a game with nine other teammates comprised of youngsters from across the borders. "We college students like to make friends. Before the game, we barely knew each other. But our co-operation and determination helped us to win and we will probably now stay in touch."

Friendships were forged despite the obstacles of dialect Hong Kongers and Macanese speak Cantonese, as opposed to the Mandarin.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Culture, the provincial and municipal governments of Guangdong and Shenzhen and the Hong Kong Home Affairs Department, has provided a series of shows including ethnic dancing and singing contests.

The college student film festival has also put on talks about employment and business opportunities on the mainland and travel.

(China Daily August 9, 2004)