by Jing Zhao Cesarone

    CHICAGO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chicago's Chinese Cultural Week got off to a rousing start with Chinese music and a bevy of dancers and acrobats performing in Daley Plaza.

    The opening ceremony for the festivities -- "From the Great Wall to the Great Lakes" -- was presented by the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, the city of Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International.

    Monday's festivities highlighted the various events that are a part of the culture week, including performances by Cirque Shanghai, the Chinese Fine Arts Society, and the Tianjin Dance Drama and Opera Troupe.

    Xie Yunliang, acting consul general of the Chinese consulate in Chicago, told Xinhua that both China and Chicago "are increasing in cooperation and communication."

    "The Chinese community here in Chicago is full of hard-working people," he said. "They are making great contributions to the prosperity of Chicago."

    Xie said the culture week will help promote understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and the United States.

    "It is also beneficial for building a lasting and healthy relationship between the two countries," he said.

    Guo Zongguang, director of the cultural division at the consulate, said Mayor Richard Daley was instrumental in arranging the festivities.

    "In 2005 a Chinese Cultural Festival was held successfully in Washington, D.C. with the help of the Chinese Ministry of Culture," Guo said."During

    Mayor Daley's visit to Beijing, he suggested this idea to the Ministry of Culture."

    The Ministry of Culture gave strong support to the festivities in Chicago by sending the Tianjin Dance Drama and Opera Troupe to perform, he said.

    Gene Lee, the mayor's deputy chief of staff, was impressed with the opening ceremonies.

    "It's just spectacular!" he said. "When we talked about planning the Chinese Cultural Week in Chicago, we did not know it is going to be this fantastic, this big and more meaningful!"

    The sharing of culture, Lee said, "helps educate people and brings people together to form a stronger and lasting relationship."

    Raymond Chin, the co-chair of Chicago Sister Cities International China Committee, said: "We had a great show today."

    "It really shows the diversity and richness of the Chinese culture," he said. "It is great entertainment for everybody. This is actually part of the national celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of U.S.-China relations. Chicago has always been on the forefront of U.S.-China relations with two sister cities in China, Shanghai and Shenyang."

    The festivities, which run from July 19 to 25, features Chinese dancing, music, visual and multi-media arts, a photographic exhibition, theater and street fairs.

    The celebration takes place as part of a larger, national tribute to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic ties.

    From traditional cuisine at the Chinatown Summer Fair, tours of large-scale contemporary Chinese sculptures, to children's theater in the Millennium Park, the week is a celebration of the richness and depth of Chinese culture and art.