An exhibition introducing the mainlanders to the history and culture of ethnic minorities in Taiwan opened Monday at the Cultural Palace of Nationalities in downtown Beijing.

The exhibits include some 10,000 photos, 40 films and 400 artifacts about the family structure, folklore, music, dance, and culinary traditions of the 14 ethnic minorities in the island, among which are Amis, Bunun, Rukai.

And these items are divided into three parts, displaying the history, culture and life of the ethnic minorities in the island.

It is the first such activity on the mainland and people are able to visit the exhibition free of charge.

"The ethnic minorities in the island are important members of the Chinese ethnic families," said Liang Guoyang, president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, which organized the event. "They have contributed to the development and construction of the island."

Liang said he expected the event to boost the exchange between the ethnic minorities and the various sectors on the mainland.

The event will run until January 6.

To complement the exhibition, a 5-day symposium on the ethnic minorities' history and culture kicked off on Sunday.

The exhibition will tour municipalities and provinces including Shanghai, Fujian and Guizhou when the Beijing event is over.

(Xinhua News agency December 22, 2009)