This year marks the 40th anniversary of Sino-German diplomatic ties. To celebrate the occasion, a Chinese Culture Year was launched at the end of January in Germany.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Sino-German diplomatic ties. To celebrate the occasion, a Chinese Culture Year was launched at the end of January in Germany.

The year-long event mainly features the history of Chinese art and culture by introducing Chinese music, film, opera, literature and other exhibitions to the German audience. Let's take a look at the opening concert.

Art lovers in Berlin attend China Philharmonic Orchestra's concert as the opener for the Culture Year. Repertoire for the night features both Chinese classics such as "Butterfly Lovers" and Peking Opera selections, as well as a reinterpretation of Richard Wagner's "Tannhauser".

A member of audience said, "I think the concert successfully kicked off the Culture Year. Chinese culture develops in its own way, so it will be an interesting experience for China and Germany to collaborate on the cultural project. "

The following week also features other events that showcase Chinese folk music and Kunqu Opera. Later this year, composer Tan Dun and pianist Lang Lang will join a series of classical music festivals in Germany. Apart from stage performances, forums and sessions designed to boost cultural exchanges between the two countries will also be held.

Both Chinese President Hu Jintao and German President Christian Wulff are conferred as honorary supervisors of the culture year.