A new Bulgarian book entitled "Bulgaria-China Culture Tourism" was presented in the Confucius Institute in Sofia on Thursday.

"The book is ingeniously structured in three languages -- Chinese, English and Bulgarian, which makes it the first of its kind in the cultural exchange between the two countries," says Chinese ambassador to Bulgaria Zhang Wanxue in the preface of the book.

In this book are presented lots of interesting texts and photos about China and Bulgaria, their history and culture, customs and traditions, as well as tourism assets.

"The book can help young Chinese and Bulgarians to understand better the historical facts and culture development of the two countries," author Sonya Alexieva said during the presentation.

The purpose that 70 percent of the book's content is consisted of illustration materials is due to the fact that one picture can tell us more than thousands of words, Alexieva said, adding that 25 experts in total have worked on this edition.

Alexieva, who is PhD and associate professor, has many years of experience in public relations and special expertise in travel and tourism. She teaches culture tourism and business communications in several universities.

Publishing this book is part of activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria.

Confucius Institute in Sofia, which was founded in 2006, provides the financial support of the publishing of the book.

During the ceremony a number of the philology-scientific magazine "Language and literature" having a cover story entitled "Bulgarian studies in China. Sinology in Bulgaria" were also presented.

(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2009)