VIENTIANE, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese and Lao ministries for culture and tourism and Chinese embassy in Laos have opened a five-day exhibition at the Lao National Museum themed Chinese Style 2019-Special Exhibition of Chinese Contemporary Artists' Painting and Calligraphy from Monday to Friday.

A wide range of creative items are on display, including paintings, drawings, acrylic paintings, Chinese brush paintings and carvings.

The exhibition is taking place as part of Visit China-Laos Year 2019 and aims to strengthen the relationship between China and Laos by providing an insight in Chinese culture for Lao people.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Ounthuang Khaophan, and the Ambassador of China to Laos, Jiang Zaidong, and attended by invited guests, artists, teachers and students on Monday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Ounthuang said the exhibition was important in helping to promote Visit Laos-China Year 2019 and raise the profile of China.

"The exhibition will strengthen the relationship and the understanding of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Chinese people," local daily Vientiane Times on Thursday quoted the deputy minister as saying.

Ambassador Jiang said the exhibition would serve to promote art and culture and showcase the heritage of China among Lao people and foreign visitors.

"The objective of the exhibition is to expand the minds of academics and artists and inspire a love for the art and culture of both Laos and China," he said on the occasion.

The exhibition features over 70 pieces created by seven popular Chinese artists including painters and carvers. The artists have created many outstanding works that showcase their skills and allow members of the public to appreciate the creativity of Chinese artists.

More than 800,000 tourists came from China in 2018, an increase of 26 percent compared to 2017. This year, the Lao government projected that more than one million Chinese will visit Laos. The Visit China-Laos Year 2019 was launched here on January. Based on the working plan, Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism will organize projects throughout the year, such as tourism promotion, forums, cultural performances and food introduction.

In addition, both ministries will set up dialogue platforms for tourism authorities and enterprises of the two countries, jointly design tourist routes, promote tourism brands of Laos and increase two-way tourist arrivals.