The Chinese Cultural Week in Chicago was officially kicked off Monday with its opening ceremony held at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago.

The opening ceremony was presented by diplomats from Chinese Consulate General in Chicago and officials from the City of Chicago.

Yunliang Xie, the Chinese Acting Consul General in Chicago said, "Chinese Cultural Week will help promote the understanding and friendship of people between China and the U.S. It is also beneficial for building a lasting and healthy relationship between the two countries."

Gene Lee, Deputy Chief of Staff at Office of the Mayor, Raymond Chi, Co-chair of the Chicago Sister Cities International China Committee, and Ann Liang, Vice President of America Asia Amity Association also made remarks at the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony also highlighted the various events that are a part of the culture week, including performances by Cirque Shanghai, the Chinese Fine Arts Society in Chicago and Tianjin Dance Drama and Opera Troupe.

"The Chinese community has contributed a great deal to both our City and the United States," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "Chicago has been a proud Sister City to Shenyang and Shanghai since 1985, and I encourage all Chicagoans to experience the various aspects of Chinese culture manifested throughout the city."

From July 19-25, the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, the City of Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International jointly present the Chinese Culture week to celebrate Chinese arts and culture. It will feature Chinese dance, music, visual and multi-media arts, photography, theater and street fairs.