[Photo provided to China Daily]

The artworks are classified into 20 groups based on their origins and there are introductions for each country along with its location on the map.

Abdulkadir M. Abbas, from the Nigerian consulate in Shanghai, says: "They are great works by brilliant artists, although most are not famous."

Biruktawit Kassahun Gaim, the consul for Ethiopia in Shanghai, says: "I hope every visitor also travels to Africa to see more sculptures."

Jing Ying, vice-president of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, says: "The exhibition was opened (on Feb 8) before the recent Spring Festival holiday so that more people in Shanghai could learn about African culture."