Pingyao traditional cultural exhibition opens in Provins

A Pingyao traditional cultural exhibition themed “The Complementation of Civilizations” was held on June 13 during the medieval festival in Provins, a commune in the Nord department in northern France.

Various works about Pingyao traditional culture were exhibited in Provins’ Caesar Church such as old photographic works, painting and calligraphy, Chinese paper cutting, embroidery and shadow puppetry.

Pingyao is a city in north China’s Shanxi Province with almost 3,000 years of history. It is considered one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world，renowned for its well-preserved city walls, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major tourist attraction in central Shanxi.

Provins, a town of medieval fairs, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. It is well known for its medieval fortifications, such as the Tour César (the Caesar Tower) and well-preserved city walls. Provins has been twinned with the ancient city Pingyao for 12 years.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Pingyao’s traditional cultural exhibition will serve as a bridge of friendship between Pingyao and Provins for both China and France.

Pingyao and Provins signed a cooperation memorandum in 2002 in Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi province, and, in 2005, became sister cities sharing their cultural heritage. In 2013, the two cities established sister city ties to make visits possible. Pingyao has cultural treasures and friendship for both China and France, Philippe Guelluy, French ambassador to China said.