HOUSTON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States will be held early next month in Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States.

During a press briefing on Monday, it is announced that the photo show, from Jan. 5 to Jan. 12, will be held together with an art exhibition of Chinese and American modern celebrity paintings and an exhibition to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the famous Chinese artist Zhang Daqian's birth.

Giving remarks at the briefing, Chinese Consul General in Houston Li Qiangmin said cultural and art exchanges have played a vital role in China-U.S. relations in the past 40 years. He encouraged Chinese communities in Houston to promote more cultural and art bilateral exchanges so as to deepen the understanding between the two peoples.

At the event, around 30 precious pictures will be exhibited, showing the historical stages and important achievements of Sino-U.S. relations over the past 40 years. At the same time, dozens of replicas of Zhang Daqian's works, as well as art pieces by American and Chinese artists will be exhibited.

The event was co-sponsored by the U.S.-China Cultural Exchange Association in Houston and the Houston Chinese Activity Center and was co-organized by several associations in the city.