The EU Ambassador to China Mr. Hans Dietmar Schweisgut opened an exhibition of children's artworks entitled "Dreams of Europe and China" in Beijing on Friday at the Ocean Beach area of Chaoyang Park.

The Delegation of the European Union to China in association with "The World and China Magazine" has organized this annual children's art exhibition since the year 2011.

The 2016 Children's Art Competition and Exhibition allows children from both European and Chinese schools to present drawings based on their visions of China and Europe. 562 children between the ages of 4 and 18 have registered for this year's Competition and Exhibition in three age groups.

The Chinese participants come from different parts of China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hebei, Hainan, Gansu, Shanxi, Shaanxi and Sichuan. As in the past years, the best 12 drawings will form the EU Delegation's 2017 calendar. At the opening ceremony, the EU Ambassador presented winners' certificates. In addition, students from Fengtai District's "Children's Palace" gave a performance.

Selected children's artworks will be on public display at the Ocean Beach area of Chaoyang Park from 8th July to 31st August. Children coming to the Ocean Beach Festival will also have the opportunity to appreciate artwork created by their peers and prepare for next year's competition.