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The masterpieces of J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851), arguably the best known of all British artists, is on display at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing.

Running until June 28, the exhibition presents 112 watercolors, oil paintings and sketches, works on paper, all on loan from Tate Museum.

The first of its kind in Asia, the exhibition, is chronologically arranged, representing five different aspects of the innovative artist's endeavors.

It is organised by the British Council, Tate Britain and the National Art Museum of China.

The Greek Ministry of Culture has donated a replica of an ancient marble statue to the Museum of Chinese Women and Children, the nation's only national museum dedicated to women and children.

To underline the aim of the museum which is to promote development, friendship and cooperation among nations, the Greeks have chosen the Peplophoros or Peplos Kore, dedicated to the goddess Athena. It shows a young woman (kore means young woman or girl in ancient Greek), wearing a garment called a peplos. The original statue is in the Acropolis Museum.

The statue will be displayed in the International Friendship Hall of the Museum alongside statues donated by other countries.

Boost for student exchanges

The sixth multi-cultural language festival was held recently at the Beijing Language and Cultural University. The theme of the festival organized by the students committee, was "Flying your dreams throughout the world, and was aimed at enhancing cultural exchanges across the world.

Hundreds of students dressed in traditional costumes, performed their country's dances and music. A large number of specialities including food and handicrafts were also on display.

The festival offered a platform for students to communicate with each other.

While kite flying is a popular activity in China that goes back a long time in history, not many people may have tried flying kites made of cotton.

China's first cotton kite flying event, titled "Fly your cotton kite party", was recently held in Beijing's Chaoyang Park. Hundreds of cotton kites - adorned with original and creative designs - dotted the sky.

It marked the start of the "Cotton - Beyond Your Imagination" 2009 program, jointly organized by Cotton Incorporated and Cotton Council International.

Shawn Steiner, director of public relations at Cotton Incorporated said combining cotton and kite flying was a creative attempt at conveying the spirit of LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability).

China Daily

(China Daily 04/27/2009 page8)