Murat Salim Esenli, Turkish Ambassador to China, answers questions at a press conference for the 2013 Turkish Culture Year in China on March 12 (CHEN RAN)

Chinese cities will get a taste of Turkey as the 2013 Turkish Culture Year kicks off in Beijing and Shanghai on March 21 and 25, respectively.

According to Murat Salim Esenli, Turkish Ambassador to China, Turkish talent in film, drama, handicrafts, folk dance, painting and music will present a traditional and modern Turkey to people in 12 Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, as well as Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province and Yichang in central China's Hubei Province.

Esenli hoped people in both countries could know each other better through cultural exchange programs. He also hopes to see more Chinese travellers visit Turkey. In 2012, some 120,000 Chinese travellers visited Turkey, double the volume four years ago.

In 2012, the Year of Chinese Culture was held in Turkey, celebrating the charming multicultural history of the Silk Road. The Year of Culture programs are part of the strategic cooperation between China and Turkey.