The opening ceremony of the event Photo:Courtesy of the Yuzi Paradise

French and other foreign visitors are welcome to tour Guilin in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region while taking part in China-France Year of Culture and Tourism activities held at an international art park in the region, Yuzi Paradise, an international landscape art park about 30 kilometers away from Guilin's downtown, announced on Monday.

To celebrate this year's 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, a string of cultural activities are being held in the park.

Huang Yu, a publicity officer of the park, told the Global Times on Monday that the activities are designed to promote the friendship between China and France, fostering greater mutual understanding and communication for tourists from both countries.

When the park was established 27 years ago, it was created with a commitment of becoming the "Oriental Louvre." 

From that moment, the park became intricately connected with French culture and tourism, according to the park.

A total of 12 large-scale sculpture artworks at the park were created by French artists, and together with works from artists of other countries.

 Those sculptures stand as a timeless artistic and cultural asset for humanity, enhancing visitors' experiences with a wealth of cultural legacy, Huang noted. 

From admiring sculptures, tasting French cuisine to Chinese character rubbings, the activities aim to provide global visitors with an interactive experience of Chinese and French culture.

Camille Fourmeau, economic counselor of the French Consulate General in Guangzhou, has also participated in the activities. 

The park integrates natural landscapes with contemporary sculptural art, transforming it into more than just a leisure destination. 

It is a cultural exchange hub that combines artistic creation and exhibitions, Fourmeau said. 

The China-France Year of Culture and Tourism activities in Guilin are also part of efforts to develop the city as a global tourist destination.  

The Opening Concert for the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of China-France relations will take place on Wednesday at the Royal Opera of Versailles. 

The concert will be performed by the China National Traditional Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera of Versailles, presenting a repertoire of Chinese and French classical music, reflecting the exchanges and mutual understanding between the cultures of the two countries.

From April 30 to June 1, the Palace of Versailles and the Palace Museum in Beijing will present an exhibition dedicated to the exchanges established between the two countries since the end of the 17th century.

As the curtain-raiser of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism in Beijing, a new rendition of the operatic masterpiece Roméo et Juliette was staged in Beijing from Thursday to Sunday.