When the first edition of China Daily European Weekly hit the streets of Europe two years ago, many did not know what to expect. It was the first publication of its kind specifically dedicated to offering its readers a window on China - on Europe in China, on China in Europe and what it all means - and was therefore breaking through a new frontier.

Now, as it celebrates its second anniversary this week, the European Weekly is an established publication on newsstands across the continent having pride of place alongside familiar national newspapers and magazines.

It has also a high quality circulation list that reads like a Who's Who of those actively engaged with China whether they are in business, academia, think tanks or the cultural world.

Along the way, the European Weekly has also picked up prestigious awards including the 2011 Launch of the Year award from the Association of Circulation Executives and also the Plain English Campaign international award in the same year.

The European Weekly's main aim has not just been to provide the news but to look at what lies behind the news and how it affects not just China but Europe and also the wider world.

Our extensive cover stories, with their unique look provided by our now trademark illustration on the front page, have dealt with all the major topical issues over the past 24 months addressing subjects as diverse as China-EU trade relations and whether the Chinese economy was heading for a hard landing to softer issues such as China's new rich loving European art, fine wine and high-end properties.

The regular business page section, including Business Focus, that zeroes in on a particular sector, and Business Hotspot, zooming in on a place or province of commercial interest, provide some of the most comprehensive information available anywhere about the China market.

The Comment pages are also a must-read for those interested in China, carrying articles from some of the world's leading opinion informers from China, Europe and around the world.

Our Life, People, Travel and Books pages also regularly reflect the rich culture of China that many in the rest of the world are only gradually awakening to.

For our Last word profile interview we have interviewed leading politicians such as former British prime minister Tony Blair and Romano Prodi, the former Italian premier; sporting stars such as Belgian women's tennis ace Justine Henin; and leading writers about China such as Jonathan Fenby and Martin Jacques, author of When China Rules The World.

Our aim has been always to both inform and entertain and we hope you will continue to take the journey with us.

(China Daily 11/30/2012 page16)