Shanghai celebrates French culture

"Light", an exhibiton held during the Croisements Festival in Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shanghai will host a series of performances and exhibitions to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Croisements Festival, the largest French cultural event in the world and largest of its kind in China, which runs until July 10.

Chinese pianist Lang Lang, film director Feng Xiaogang, theatre director Meng Jinghui, music professional Shen Lihui, painter Zeng Fanzhi, choreographer Jin Xing, stylist and designer Jiang Qiong Er, writer Jiang Fangzhou, videographer Zhang Peili and magician Yif were each asked to nominate their favourite material.

Lang Lang will give a performance on May 12 and Meng Jinghui will present a show on June 23 and 24 in Shanghai.

Coordinated by the French Embassy in China, the Croisements Festival has attracted more than 8 million visitors since its creation in 2006.

The event is supported by 29 sponsors, including cosmetic firm Pierre Fabre which has sponsored an exhibition named "Light".

“The exhibition offers a chance for people to better understand human’s wellbeing and our vision, that is, from health to beauty,” said Li Haiyan, chief financial officer of Pierre Fabre China.

The event will feature more than 100 programmes and 400 individual events over 3 months in more than 30 cities throughout China.