About 260 embassy officials from more than 100 countries gathered recently for the opening of the 2012 Friendship Communication of Ambassadors and Madams on Knowing Chinese Culture event to experience traditional Chinese customs.

Sponsored by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, this annual event is aimed at enhancing diplomats' understanding of Chinese culture. It was first staged in 2002.

From April 2-4, diplomats from 20-30 countries will be invited to travel to Dujiangyan, Sichuan province, home to the World Cultural Heritage Site the Dujiangyan Dam Irrigation System, to learn Chinese tea ceremonies, try Qingcheng kungfu and practice Taoism.