China is huge. China is becoming topical. Yet China remains mystery to most people in the West. ‘Made in China’ has become a familiar tag, but the spectacular creative energy in modern China is barely known. During the last twenty years, the Chinese have rediscovered their pre-socialist past and begun to combine their own traditions with global influences to produce a cultural rebirth. At the heart of this lies a new culture of design.

China Design Now is the exhibition in the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) to explore the recent explosion of new design in China and to attempt to understand the impact of rapid economic development on architecture and design in China’s major cities. From the 2008 Olympic stadium, and other significant architectural projects, to the latest in fashion and graphics, China Design Now captures a dynamic phase as China opens up to global influences and responds to the hopes and dreams of its new urban middle class. The journey starts in the far south, where graphic designers in Shenzhen began to explore new directions in the early 1990s. Next we move up to Shanghai. Here consumerism and urban culture have combined to produce astonishing fashion and lifestyles. Finally, we travel to Beijing, where monumental architecture for the Olympic Games is transforming the skyline of this ancient capital.  This exhibition takes visitors on a journey along China’s coastal cities to experience the country’s creative landscape.

The photo of Bird's Nest in the exhibition of China Design Now	Graphic Design in the exhibition of China Design Now

Chinese Ambassador Mme Fu was the guest of honor to open the exhibition. During her opening speech Mme Fu talked how art and design should reflect real life at large. She commented in length on the report of various forms of the current Olympic Torch Relay which is coming up to London.  "In ten days, Beijing Olympic Torch Relay will be held in London. It is not only the moment expected eagerly by overseas Chinese, but also an important event for British people. There will be hundreds of millions of people to watch it in China. We believe that Olympic Torch Relay will be successful under the support of British Government and British people. Chinese and foreign media should focus on the Relay ceremony itself and the spirit of athletes. We hope that after Olympic Torch Relay, there will be more and more Chinese people have a good opinion of London and come to visit London", Said Ambassador Mme Fu.  CBN Travel Service is entrusted with the incoming services for Olympic Torch Relay in London.

Mme Chen Qixian (Left), the Director of China National Tourist Office (CNTO), was invited to attend the launch of China Design Now at Victoria and Albert Museum.	Chinese Ambassador Mme Fu and Director of CNTO Mme Chen in discussion with Chief Operating Officer of China Business Network Dr. Adam Wu.