Lucia Sollinger, chief curator of the former exhibition, says it is to uncover the spirit and identity of Europe through artworks that represent different expressions and styles, and reveal a wealth of cultural traditions, against the background of a growing and undeniable globalization phenomenon.

Wang Yong, another member of the curatorial committee, says the show of Morandi's prints enriches people's knowledge of the Italian artist, whose oil paintings are more familiar to Chinese audiences.

"Morandi taught at the Bologna Academy of Fine Arts as a professor of etchings for decades. Creating prints also formed part of his venture into a distinctive style of art," he says.

Some 130 works on show have been donated, according to the organizing committee, and tours of art museums in Shandong, Sichuan and Jiangsu provinces are being planned.

People can also access the ongoing biennale by visiting its official WeChat account.