SHANGHAI, Oct 25, 2003 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Tens of hundreds of Shanghai residents flock to an exhibition where 143 pieces of ancient Egyptian treasures are on display in Shanghai International Exhibition Center.

The antiques, worth 260 million US dollars, include statuette of the Cobra Goddess, a bust of Akhnaten, and a relief of Ramses II smiting the enemies.


Meanwhile, the Center for Egyptian Studies, the first of its kind in China, was launched in Fudan University based in Shanghai

The two events marks a "new level" in the mutual understanding and exchanges between China and Egypt, said 39-year-old Jin Shoufu, head of the research center. Egypt has been included in the list of foreign tourist destinations for Chinese citizens, and the direct air link between Beijing and Cairo, launched early this year, further facilitates travelers of both countries.

The exhibition will also be held in Beijing, the Chinese capital, when it is completed in Shanghai in mid-November.