Chinese artist Xu Bing speaks at the ceremony Photo: Courtesy of Xu Bing

Exhibition Xu Bing: Art Satellite - The First Animated Film Shot in Space by Chinese artist Xu Bing will open on April 17 at the Santa Veneranda Church, while Traveling through Time and Space by renowned international planner Lu Rongzhi will be held on April 20, according to a ceremony held at the Phoenix Center in Beijing. 

Marco Polo, a Venetian explorer and merchant from the 13th century, embarked on an adventurous journey along the ancient Silk Road. Today, he is revered as an outstanding "cultural intermediary" between the East and West, and a symbol of Italian-Chinese relations, according to a post by the Italian embassy.

The year 2024 holds particular importance for Italy-China cooperation, marking the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death and the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

Marco Polo was a traveler, inspiration and pioneer, and our artists are also constantly moving forward in the universe of art, constantly taking risks, and constantly exploring new world civilizations, said Italian Ambassador to China Massimo Ambrosetti during his speech at the ceremony, noting that having two exhibitions unveiled simultaneously is an important moment in China-Italian cultural exchanges.