Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott attended the inauguration ceremony. [Photo/www.news.cn]

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott attended the inauguration ceremony of Beijing Park in Canberra, China Cultural Center in Sydney, and China Pavilion in the library of the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) on Nov 17.

Since the first center was established overseas in the 1980s, the China Cultural Center has gone through rapid development, especially in the past 10 years. Eighteen centers have been set up on four continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. The China Cultural Center in Sydney, which was officially registered in 2012, is the first center set up by the Chinese government in Oceania.

The center, located in Castlereagh Street in downtown Sydney, houses a library, an art gallery, a hall and classrooms, and takes on three major functions of cultural activities, training courses and information service. It offers Chinese traditional arts courses; lectures and workshops on art, culture, heritage and traditional medicine, as well as films, concerts, and an information service.

Zhao Li, director of the China Cultural Center in Sydney, noted in an interview that the center has held various activities such as Guangxi Culture Week, a photo exhibition and a Chinese Modern Arts Exhibition since its establishment. Also, it takes the initiative and makes connections with local primary and secondary schools, presenting Chinese traditional culture and arts in their classrooms. This activity has been well received by the local students.

The center is dedicated to promoting the Australian people’s understanding and appreciation for Chinese culture through a close partnership with both the private and public sectors. It holds educational and cultural activities that enhance the existing friendship and mutual understanding between China and Australia.

According to Zhao Li, a series of activities have been held by the center since September, including Guangdong Culture Week, a National Day Photo Exhibition, film forum and also China Day activities.

2014 APEC：China displays its culture and history	APEC press center decorated with Chinese elements