A creative painting event for children in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area was launched in Zhuhai on Saturday to encourage young people to protect and inherit traditional Chinese culture, and promote cultural exchanges across the region.

When National Treasures Meet gathers young artists from Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao to create imaginative paintings that blend iconic elements of pandas with treasures from The Palace Museum.

Wu Di, director of the cultural products department at The Palace Museum, said the theme not only highlights the significance of cultural heritage, but also fosters creativity of traditional art forms.

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“The initiative is a wonderful opportunity to inspire the next generation to connect with the country’s rich cultural heritage. By integrating beloved symbols like the panda with our national treasures, we are nurturing a sense of pride and responsibility among children in the Greater Bay Area,” he said at the opening ceremony.

More than 200 paintings by children from Guangdong and the two special administrative regions are displayed at Blue Dolphin Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge -- an artificial island that serves as a key part of the 55-kilometer bridge-cum-tunnel sea crossing.

The exhibition, which will last through December, will also be held in Hong Kong, Macao, Changsha, Chengdu and Beijing.

Chen Yang contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at sally@chinadailyhk.com