THE year of intercultural dialogue between China and the European Union (EU) officially kicked off in Bulgaria on Friday.

    In response to the event, a wide range of Chinese cultural activities would be held in 27 European countries including Bulgaria, and vice versa, Yuan Jigang, head of the education section at the Chinese Embassy in Sofia, told a press conference.

    "These activities will enable Europeans to enjoy the best of Chinese culture and arts and Chinese to enjoy the best of European culture and arts, and thus offering them a special, in-depth look at Chinese and European culture and fostering a mutual understanding between China and EU countries," Yuan said.

    Bulgarians will be able to see a celebration of the Chinese Lantern Festival, a "China Day" held in many schools, and a four-day performance tour of traditional Chinese music and dance, Yuan said.

(Xinhua)