"Compared with European paintings, the Chinese ones are more natural and concise, and contain a lot of thoughts," she said.

"I also practice calligraphy and can read books about Chinese culture in the center's library, but I would like to see more Chinese painters holding exhibitions in Russia, so I can communicate with them," she added.

The center plans to open more libraries, and improve cooperation with local cultural and educational bodies to meet Russian people's growing interest in Chinese culture.

Taking Chinese literature as an example, Zhang said publishing bodies on both sides are scheduled to translate 50 classical works from each country in the next six years.

The demand for Chinese literature was highlighted after Chinese writer Mo Yan was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature last year.

The day after Mo won the prize, the Russian version of his work The Republic of Wine appeared in the largest bookstore in Moscow and became the fifth best-selling book in the store by the end of 2012, according to Zhang.

"The Russian side is busy translating other works by Mo and has expressed a strong willingness to strengthen cooperation with Chinese literary figures," she said.

Vladimir Smirnov, a student in the center's language class, said studying Chinese can also bring more business to his transportation company.

"Ten years ago, Chinese who knew Russian came here. Five years ago, Chinese people who speak English came here. Now, Chinese people come here, but cannot speak either Russian or English. So if I can speak Chinese, I can better help them and have more business with them," he said.

zhaoshengnan@chinadaily.com.cn

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