China and Russia will hold about 200 activities, including eight large ones, for the Year of Russiain China this year, according to a senior Chinese diplomat.

Li Hui, assistant foreign minister, told a press conference held here on Thursday that the opening ceremony of the Year of Russia is to be held at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing during Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to China. Putin and Chinese President Hu Jintao will attend the opening ceremony.

Other activities marking the occasion include economic and business summits, national exhibitions, Russian culture week, investment promotion week and a legislature round-table meeting.

The Year of China in Russia will be held in 2007.