Pingyao is a well-preserved ancient city in China. These days, we can still view the Chinese culture and tradition over the past five centuries here. In accordance with the Confucian or feudal ethical code the ancient city of Pingyao was established where the ancient local-style dwelling houses have been well preserved over the past centuries. During the time of more than 2700 years, Pingyao is a county all along, but she has the splendid past in the fields of politics, economy and culture. A long history has left Pingyao a rich cultural heritage. Nowadays, Pingyao is also an epitome of contemporary China with various cultures, vitality and creation.

     France owns an unique charm of culture. The mid-century simple style and features of Provins also draw people’s attention. The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO has inscribed the ancient city of Pingyao on the World Heritage List on December 3, 1997 and the ancient city of Provins on December 13, 2001. The reasons for the two ancient cities as the world cultural heritages are practically the same because they respectively keep their original features intact in society, culture and economy during a particular period. These relics and heritage of human civilization will be the unparalleled treasures. The friendly relations and cooperation between the two ancient cities inscribed on the World Heritage List will contribute to extending their international repercussions and promote their exchange and cooperation in the fields of tourist economy, preservation of cultural relics and education.

    At PIP, we are to try to present various aspects of Pingyao. We will invite Mr. Bernard Faucon, a French artist in photography, who will first visit China. Above 10 young people of Pingyao who   are happy to together photograph with Mr. Bernard Faucon will first experience their own city through their lens. I believe that the peculiar experiences will leave the deep impression on them. Meanwhile, Pingyao---a short, taken by a Chinese artist Shi Ruo, recorded Pingyao via his distinctive insights. We are expected to put up a bridge of communication and understanding by way of diversification and individually real sensation, and to make a permanent imprint on our mind between China and France.

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and France, I cordially wish to make a complete success of Sino-French Cultural Year, and to further cooperate between Pingyao and Provins.

We are looking forward to a show of simple and unsophisticated glamour of Provins in Pingyao in October 2004.

Li Dingwu, the head of Pingyao county