An exhibition of Chinese calligraphy opened here on Thursday as an important part of the celebrations for the Chinese Culture Year in Italy.

At the heart of the Chinese community neighborhood in Rome, the Chinese ambassador to Italy, Ding Wei, and Italian local celebrities jointly inaugurated the event, which will run till Nov. 29 at the Roman Aquarius.

Flocks of people swarmed into the hall to admire the fascinating works by famous immigrant Chinese calligraphy artists from all over Europe.

The activity aims at spreading awareness and knowledge of the Chinese culture and art among Italians.

Ambassador Ding highlighted the significance of the event, stressing that calligraphy is one of the most ancient Chinese art forms.

"Calligraphy has a millenary tradition and these artists show a great capacity of expression and artistic quality," said Ding.

The ambassador also mentioned the ongoing celebrations of the Chinese Culture Year in Italy, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Italy.

"I hope this exhibition will be an opportunity to help Italian people learn and appreciate Chinese art, culture and history so that cultural exchange between our two countries may strengthen during the year," Ding said.

Ugo Papi, an Asia expert and a member of the opposition Democratic Party, urged Italians to look at the incredible development of China.

"A powerful and great China is an opportunity for all us: we must not see it as a threat but as a strategic partner," Papi said.

In his view, the Chinese calligraphy exhibition and other similar events stand as crucial occasions aimed at spreading knowledge on the many links between the Chinese and Italian cultures.

"Through her great culture, China can make herself be loved by Italians," Papi said, underlining the important role that the Chinese community in Italy could play.

"You can do a lot to promote the knowledge of Chinese culture among Italian citizens, especially the most fascinating and beautiful aspects that can further unite our two peoples," he told the Chinese participants at the inauguration ceremony.

The exhibition is co-sponsored by the Rome City Hall, the local foreigners' city council and the Confucius Institute of Rome's La Sapienza University.