An ancient book is exhibited at the Hangzhou branch of the National Archives of Publications and Culture in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 30, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

 Books and paintings lovers in New Zealand indulged themselves in the over 2,000 books from China and more than 200 paintings drawn by Chinese and New Zealand children at a China-themed book exhibition in New Zealand's Waipa on Thursday.

As one of a series of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and New Zealand, the book exhibition, which coincides with A Better Eco-village International Youth Art Exhibition, included 217 pieces of artwork that have been collected from 40 cities in China. 

There are also 15 paintings from New Zealand-based artists. All the artworks have been completed by children, said organizer Jackson Rao, chair of New Zealand Culture and Arts Foundation.

Dandi Wang, curator of the book exhibition and president of Prime Media New Zealand, said the exhibition included more than 2,000 English language books with themes ranging from political theory, medical information to Chinese traditional cultural practices.

Dave Bromwich, former president of the New Zealand China Friendship Society, has been to China for over 50 times. He said these two exhibitions represented "a very very good insight into Chinese culture."

"The wisdom of China has been expressed in the books there and you can easily trace it through from 2,000 years ago to the wisdom that has been expressed in China today."

Bromwich encouraged New Zealanders to pick up one of those books and start to understand it. "Because it's become more and more important that New Zealanders do make an effort to understand China, not from a western perspective, but from a Chinese perspective, and then we will truly have a mutual respect and mutual understanding," he added.

The exhibition also included a range of children's books and a selection of poems.

Xiao Yewen, acting Chinese consul-general in Auckland, noting that China is a publishing powerhouse in the world, said "China and New Zealand enjoy good momentum in literary exchanges and cooperation. Both national libraries established efficient cooperative mechanism in organizing exhibitions, digital library cooperation, ancient books protection and resource sharing."

"As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, I believe there will be nothing better than a well-organized book exhibition that will further promote understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and Kiwis," Xiao said.

Ye Su, minister-counselor of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, said he was deeply impressed by the works on display by the young talents.

They used their painting brushes to describe the world in their eyes, and the vision for a more beautiful, friendly and sustainable future of the global village, said Ye.