Mongolian Cultural Week opens in north China

Seventy photographs showcasing Mongolian culture, history and sights will be exhibited in Hohhot, capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, for the Mongolian Cultural Week which began Sunday.

Tourists can also experience Mongolian pop music and folk culture shows at the five-day festival, said the office in a statement.

The cultural week, co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of Mongolia and the publicity department of the Chinese region, will also showcase Mongolian films.

Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj, who is on a six-day state visit to China that began Wednesday, attended Sunday's opening ceremony.

The festival would help promote culture and art contacts between Mongolia and China, and enhance understanding and friendship, said Chonoi Kulanda, Mongolian Vice Minister of Education, Culture and Science.

It is the first Mongolian Cultural Week in the region, but cultural festivals have been held in other parts of China.

Elbegdorj has also met Chinese President Hu Jintao and top political advisor Jia Qinglin during his visit. He also attended Friday's World Expo opening ceremony in Shanghai.