[Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the literary master William Shakespeare, as well as his Chinese counterpart, Tang Xianzu, who died in the same year as the Bard, 1616.

Both great playwrights' works are celebrated through a wide array of events and activities. Their classic plays have been adapted in various art forms and are performed all around the world.

What is noteworthy is that while the two cultural icons have many literary and cultural differences that are difficult to hide, they do share some similarities in the way they explore the world and humanity through writing plays.

An exhibition themed Dialogue across Time and Space will be held at more than 27 China Culture Centers as part of the commemorative events, which aim to highlight the connection between the two masters.