South Africans will have a chance to get up close and personal with the ancient wonders of the Middle Kingdom and the marvels of modern China during a month-long cultural extravaganza starting later this month.

Cai Wu 1982: Graduated from the Department of International Politics at Peking University 1983-1994: Worked in the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China Jan 1996: Obtained a doctorate of law from the Department of International Politics of Peking University June 1997: Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China June 2005: Minister of the State Council Information Office. [China Daily]

The event, which will be held in the two main cities of Pretoria and Cape Town, includes exhibitions on arts and crafts, a photography show on today's China, traditional dance performances and just to ensure that visitors get a kick out of it kung fu.

Experience China in South Africa (October 30-November 30) will strengthen the already-warm ties between the peoples of the two countries, Cai Wu, minister of the State Council Information Office, told China Daily in an exclusive interview yesterday.

The programme is the brainchild of the Co-operation Programme on Deepening Strategic Partnership between China and South Africa, which was signed by visiting Premier Wen Jiabao and South African President Thabo Mbeki in Cape Town earlier this year.

"The event is of great importance in pushing forward China-South Africa cultural exchanges and co-operation, deepening our communication and mutual understanding and strengthening the China-Africa strategic partnership," said Cai, who is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech on China's peaceful development and Sino-African co-operation on November 2 in Pretoria.

On show will be 146 exquisite art works classics from the China National Arts and Crafts Museum in eight categories, such as jade carving, stone carving, ceramics and embroidery.

"These works embody not only the progress of civilization but also unique cultural states in different historical periods," said Cai.

"Harmonious diversity is one of the essences of traditional Chinese culture, which dictates that the nation follow the path of peaceful development," he said.

China's peaceful development is in accordance with the peace-loving culture of its people and benefits both the Chinese and people around the world, Cai added.

"China is endeavouring to build a harmonious society. We are committed to working together with the rest of the world to build a harmonious world. China's peaceful development will surely bring more business opportunities and benefits to African countries and the whole world," he said.

African countries are among the most trusted friends of China and it is the country's avowed policy to develop friendly relations with them, he added.

The State Council Information Office started the overseas cultural programmes in 1999; and since 2004, it has been using "Experience China" as the title for a series of activities.

The latest event was held in Seoul last month.