Visitors admire the wood carving works by African artists at a carving exhibition in a cultural center in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on July 12. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

An exhibition featuring wood carvings by a group of African artists was held in a cultural center in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on July 12.

The exhibition, a part of the closing ceremony of a 30-day exchange program which aims to strengthen artistic communication between China and Africa, displays an array of artwork pieces created by 15 wood carving artists from Togo, Congo, Gabon and Ivory Coast during their stay in Zhejiang.

Combining Chinese and African cultural elements, the exhibited wood carving works reflect different themes, including religion and the relationship between men and nature.

Zhejiang is the birthplace and home of Huangyang and Dongyang wood carving styles, two items of national intangible heritage famous for their finesse and precision.

"Zhejiang has changed a lot over the years," said one of the artists who attended the program for the second time, adding that the wood carvings he didn't see last year in Dongyang are now available as well as other creations.

"The days in Hangzhou are not easy, but my children are my source of inspiration with whom I can do video chats," said a Gabonese female artist.

It is hoped that the program can help to increase the people-to-people interactions and cultural exchanges between China and Africa.