The people of Hong Kong ought to learn more about Tibet on the 40th anniversary of the setting up of the autonomous region, a senior mainland official said yesterday.

Announcing the "China Tibetan Culture Week" at a press conference, Deputy Director of the central government's Liaison Office in Hong Kong Li Gang said the event would enable SAR residents and tourists to discover the cultural heritage of Tibet.

Organized jointly by the State Council Information Office, the central government's Liaison Office in the SAR and the government of the Tibet Autonomous Region, the seven-day gala includes cultural programmes, seminars on Buddhism and exhibitions of more than 500 photographs and many artefacts.

More than 70 artistes of the Tibetan Song and Dance Ensemble will perform stage shows, while 16 living Buddhas from Tibet will visit the territory for the first time to conduct a tantric Buddhist ceremony.

Hong Kong Buddhist Association Chairman the Venerable Kok Kwong said the event will further the understanding of the unique place of Buddhism in Tibetan culture.

"Many people in Hong Kong have become interested in the mystery of Tibet, and this (the culture week) would be a great opportunity for locals to learn more about the Tibetan heritage and Buddhism's development in the region."

Supported by the Hong Kong Buddhist Association and other religious groups in the territory, the "China Tibetan Culture Week" will be held from July 15 to 21 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Citizens can browse the website of the Tibet Information Centre (http://www.tibet.cn) for more information.

(HK Edition 07/06/2005 page2)