Zhu Qi, vice director of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of China's Culture Ministry. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"On the occasion of the 19th session of the National People's Congress, China will embrace fresh opportunities for development," Zhu Qi, vice director of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of China's Culture Ministry, said.

"Beijing, as a junction of modern and traditional Chinese cultures, is demonstrating the profound transition happening in our nation," Zhu said.

This year's visiting program has expanded into four cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Zhengzhou, with a total of almost 120 participants.

"In the future, we are planning to initiate a funding program for overseas sinology studies," Zhu added.