Ancient Chinese dining ware on display in Paris, May 4, 2017. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

An exhibition featuring traditional Chinese kitchen utensils is underway at the China Cultural Center in Paris.

Titled Design & Culture of Chinese Dietary Utensils, the show offers a glimpse into China's time-honored culinary culture in the Southwest parts of the country, the unique regional diet habits there and the deep-rooted handicraft tradition of making kitchen utensils.

"There is an old Chinese saying: 'food is the first necessity of the people.' Exchanges of food and dietary ware were an essential part of communication for people from different countries along the ancient Silk Road," center directer Yan Zhenquan said at the opening ceremony on May 4.

"We hope that through this show, French people will have a deeper understanding of Chinese culinary culture, and will better understand the importance of today's Belt and Road Initiative in promoting mutual understanding, harmony and common prosperity."

The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by President Xi Jinping to strengthen cooperation with other countries in economy, trade and investment.