THE CHARM OF TIBET: Tibetans perform their own special style of opera for the Spanish audiences (CHEN HAITONG)

Spaniards have great interest in foreign cultures, and the Tibet show is attractive to Spaniards, said Alfonso Grau, Vice Mayor of Valencia. "China, with its massive land area, a huge population and diversified culture, has organically integrated economic development and cultural protection, and found its own position in the international arena."

Grau said the achievements made by China show it is moving forward on the right path of development, and was making a contribution to the world in this way.

This opinion was echoed by Chinese Tibetologist, Pubu Cering, who was heading a Tibetologist delegation to Spain.

"Tibet had made notable achievements in the past 60 years and its development reflects the requirements of social advancement and the basic wishes of the Tibetan people," said Pubu.

At a seminar attended by overseas Chinese and students, he outlined the achievements Tibet had made during its modernization process, saying the Tibetan people had always been the main force and beneficiaries of development.

Apart from the growth in its economy, Tibet had also made great progress in education, technology, medical care and cultural protection, Pubu said.

Xinhua News Agency says China's Central Government has allocated more than 700 million yuan ($103 million) since 1980 to maintain 1,400 monasteries and cultural relics.

EXCHANGING IDEAS: Chinese Tibetologists and specialists in Tibetan medicine give lectures in a university in Madrid (CHEN HAITONG)

Another wonder of Tibet, Tibetan medicine, is a further mainstay of the event. With a history of more than 4,000 years, Tibetan medicine is said to combine science and art and involve the wisdom of Tibetan people. Now, there are 18 Tibetan medicine-producing factories in Tibet and the market has spread to other Asian countries, including Mongolia, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal and Myanmar. In China, at least 10 cities have set up Tibetan medicine centers.

During the cultural event in Spain, Tibetan medicine doctors exchanged diagnostic methods with doctors there.

"I believe the cultural event has opened a window for the Spanish people, helping them improve their understanding about Tibet," said Josus Osuna, Chairman of the Spanish Association of Friends of China.

"Tibetan culture has always been a marvel to the world with its unique charm and fascination, and has been respected for a long time as a resplendent pearl of Chinese civilization," said Zhu Bangzao, Chinese Ambassador to Spain.

Grau also discussed future cooperation in many areas with Tibet. "Mountainous Tibet, lying on a plateau, has the potential to develop wind and solar power, and Spain can cooperate with the region in relevant technology," he said.

He also said Valencia would hold a global China business conference in November 2011 to promote trade between the two countries.