Subscribe to free Email Newsletter

Chicago's Chinese Cultural Week got off to a rousing start with Chinese music and a bevy of dancers and acrobats performing in Daley Plaza.

The opening ceremony for the festivities -- "From the Great Wall to the Great Lakes" -- was presented by the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, the city of Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International.

Monday's festivities highlighted the various events that are a part of the culture week, including performances by Cirque Shanghai, the Chinese Fine Arts Society, and the Tianjin Dance Drama and Opera Troupe.

Xie Yunliang, acting consul general of the Chinese consulate in Chicago, told Xinhua that both China and Chicago "are increasing in cooperation and communication."

"The Chinese community here in Chicago is full of hard-working people," he said. "They are making great contributions to the prosperity of Chicago."

Xie said the culture week will help promote understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and the United States.

"It is also beneficial for building a lasting and healthy relationship between the two countries," he said.

Guo Zongguang, director of the cultural division at the consulate, said Mayor Richard Daley was instrumental in arranging the festivities.

"In 2005 a Chinese Cultural Festival was held successfully in Washington, D.C. with the help of the Chinese Ministry of Culture," Guo said."During

Mayor Daley's visit to Beijing, he suggested this idea to the Ministry of Culture."

The Ministry of Culture gave strong support to the festivities in Chicago by sending the Tianjin Dance Drama and Opera Troupe to perform, he said.