An exhibition commemorating the 700th anniversary of the death of the Italian explorer Marco Polo opened on Saturday at the China Academy of Art (CAA) in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province.

The event is titled "The Perfect Path: Hangzhou, Marco Polo's 'city of heaven'" and is co-hosted by the CAA and La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale).

"Both China and Italy are ancient civilizations with rich cultures and enduring historical traditions, and they have made fundamental contributions to the evolution of human civilization," said Jin Yibin, Party secretary of the CAA, at the opening ceremony.

Closely linked by the 2,000-year-old Silk Road, the joint hosting of the exhibition is another fine example of the two nations' cultural inclusiveness and innovativeness, said Jin.

The event showcases 43 sets of works by 18 Chinese artists and artistic groups. These artists have distinguished themselves for their unconventional approach to different artistic genres, their open outlook that is mindful of traditions, and their embracing of the latest technological developments, according to the organizers.

This is the first time that exhibitions of the Venice Biennale have been held outside Italy, said Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, president of the Venice Biennale.

"Here in Hangzhou, Italian and Chinese artists jointly interpret the commonalities between the two cultures, not only showing their exquisite artistic skills, but also promoting cultural exchanges and the development of the two countries through art, so that the world can see a true and colorful China," he said.

When Marco Polo, the legendary traveler and explorer from Venice, visited Hangzhou about eight centuries ago, he was overwhelmed by its beauty and regarded it "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world."

In addition to being the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo, this year also marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy.

"We are simply following in the footsteps of Marco Polo," said Francesco D'Arelli, director of the Italian Institute of Culture in Shanghai.

In his book The Travels of Marco Polo, he introduced China's outstanding culture to the West and made it known for the first time.

"Now we gather in Hangzhou for this exhibition and hope that Italy and China can face the future together by sharing their cultures, experiences and resources," he said.

The exhibition will run until Jan 10, 2025.