The largest festival of Chinese culture ever in the UK - CHINA NOW - will raise its curtains on February 7, the day of the Chinese Spring Festival. Various activities will be launched in different parts of the UK during the festival; these will include the exhibition of Chinese films, cuisine, cartoons, art, tea culture, as well as Chinese dance and martial arts performances, educational programs, etc.

"I believe CHINA NOW has a very positive purpose as it seeks to advance the UK public's understanding of contemporary China," said Fu Ying, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the United Kingdom.

Altogether there will be some 800 events, performances and activities, displaying vividly a dynamic, modern China. The festival will last six months, until the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games.

CHINA NOW is a non-profit organization with the objective of building partnerships between artists, cultural leaders, schools, businesses and communities across the UK and China. It aims to make China's rich cultural heritage accessible though diverse events and activities, and has garnered strong support from the governments of both UK and China.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said, "I welcome CHINA NOW as a valuable and exciting idea to help bring our countries closer together, and further develop and strengthen our relationship."

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also expressed his appreciation for the event. "CHINA NOW will strengthen the understanding and friendship between China and the UK," he said. "We must work together to make the festival a success."

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