China-Australia cultural exchanges are promoting understanding between the two countries as the opening ceremony of the West China cultural exhibition was launched in Sydney on Saturday.

A collection of classic oil and ink paintings, prints and thangka artworks showcasing the customs, traditions and history of West China have gone on display in Sydney as part of a Chinese cultural exploration exhibition touring Australia and New Zealand.

Though China and Australia have diverse backgrounds, it is this vast distinction that makes cultural exchanges so significant in the course of history, said Sun Zhijun, deputy director of the publicitiy department of the Communist party of China Central Committee.

"It is through cultural exchange that people of different race, color, religion and social systems, can enhance mutual understanding and tolerance, establishing friendships and cooperation," Sun said.