An exhibition based around cultural exchanges between China and African countries and a display of African artworks collected by China's National Museum marked the beginning of the seven-month cultural feast.

Performances, exhibitions and symposiums will be held until the end of this year in Beijing, Tianjin, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Changchun and other major Chinese cities, as part of a project named "2012 African Culture Focus," according to the Ministry of Culture (MOC).

The project is to implement the action plan reached at the fourth ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in 2009, said Zhao Shaohua, vice minister of culture.

It is expected to improve understanding and friendship and contribute to a complete, balanced and sustainable strategic partnership between China and Africa, according to Zhao.

The project is co-sponsored by seven government departments including the MOC, the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Commerce, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the General Administration of Press and Publication, the General Administration of Sport, and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

The forum for culture ministers from China and African countries under the framework of China-Africa Cooperation Forum will be held from June 18-19 in Beijing. Culture ministers from 50 African countries, African diplomats in China and scholars will attend the event, according to the ministry