MONTPELLIER, France, June 17 (Xinhuanet) -- An exhibition of contemporary Chinese art opened here on Friday.

    The show, a biennial event organized by a team of Franco-Chinese experts led by Jose Freches, is the first of its kind heldoutside of China and dedicated exclusively to the works of contemporary Chinese artists.

    The works on display would lead visitors into the surrealist world of contemporary Chinese art against the backdrop of opennessand economic development China has undergone over the years.

    "I am fascinated by their enthusiasm. They aren't blase like we are, in our old countries. Their works exude an incredible sense of freshness. These artists give us a good idea of where China is today," said Freches.

    "It will be a success of people, if those who live in Montpellier come to see the exhibition, even if they are not interested in contemporary art," he added.

    In parallel, a work of Chinese artist Jin Jiangbo -- the "friendship well" called "the Third Eye" -- was inaugurated in downtown Montpellier which forged sisterhood in 1979 with Chengdu,capital of the Chinese Sichuan province.

    People in the two cities can say hello to each other and see each other when they look into the well installed with a computer linked to Internet.

    "Let the Third Eye cross time and space and link the two peoplewho are eager to know each other," said the artist.

    Nanda Gonzague, a French visitor, said, "In France parents would tell children who play sand, 'you will dig deep until China'.I feel my dream of childhood realized."

    Helene Mandroux, mayor of Montpellier, was surprised when she saw so many Chinese faces, including that of her Chengdu counterpart, on the screen fixed in the well.

    The exhibition, which will run to Oct. 2, occupies six halls inaddition to the works exhibited outside on the Charles de Gaulle esplanade and the Place de la Comdie. Enditem