A children's art exhibition was recently held in Beijing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, providing a platform for kids of both countries to showcase their creativity.

The exhibition will go on a five-stop tour of China including Chengdu in Sichuan Province, Beijing, Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, Sayram Lake in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Shanghai. It will wrap up with a grand show at the Louvre in Paris early next year.

The Beijing stop, named "Dream the World," featured nearly 100 artworks by Chinese and French children.

"My painting reflects my impression of Beijing, particularly the red walls of the Forbidden City. I used traditional Chinese ink painting techniques to depict the stones and decorated the scene with pear blossoms and a swallow. I hope to share the beauty of Chinese tradition through my painting," said Claire She, a 14-year-old student.

Similar exhibitions have been held in Paris for the past six years, and a signature wall from last year's Louvre exhibition was brought to Beijing this time round.

"This board was originally set up at the Louvre exhibition site last year. For this year's tour, we want to bring more French elements to Chinese children. Therefore, we brought this board back from France, allowing Chinese kids to leave their messages on it," Ge Yihong, president of European Artists Association.

Initiated by the European Artists Association, the tour involves museums and art galleries from both countries, inviting children to create art using local cultural symbols, fostering friendship and cultural exchange.

"Cultural and artistic exchanges are crucial for promoting mutual understanding between the peoples of our two countries, especially among the youth. Art can stimulate students' curiosity and foster their overall development," said Wang Guangfa, chief principle of Beijing Royal School.