A Chinese photo exhibition, titled "Harmonious China: Aspiration and Dreams," officially opened at the headquarters of the European Commission (EC) in Brussels yesterday.

A total of 65 selected photos, varying from the launch of the Shenzhou spaceship, the Fuwa Olympic mascots dolls to the making of lamian (hand-pulled noodles), will be exhibited for a month at the site of the executive arm of the EU.

The show was co-sponsored by China's Ministry of Culture, China's mission to the EU, and the EC.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Guan Chengyuan, Chinese ambassador to the EU, spoke highly of the understanding this exhibition will bring to EU staff in terms of economic development, social harmony and culture.

Eneko Landaburu, director-general for external relations of the EC, hailed the photo show, saying that seeking social harmony and balanced development is not only the aspiration of the Chinese people, but also a dream for European people.

This is the second time a Chinese photo show has been staged in the EC headquarters building, after a similar show in November 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2007)