A press seminar was held by the All China Journalists' Association on Wednesday to promote Chinese culture. Foreign journalists and press officers from foreign embassies in Beijing were invited to the event.

At the seminar, calligraphy master Ouyang Zhongshi, a professor from Capital Normal University, lectured on "Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Culture".

During his talk, Ouyang, 86, explained the origin and formation of Chinese characters. He gave vivid examples of how the characters attained their meanings and evolved over time, such as comparing the Chinese characters to drawings.

He also shared his understanding of the relationship between Chinese characters and culture.

"I think the idea that Chinese calligraphy is the essence of Chinese culture is partly justified," Ouyang said.

After his talk, Ouyang answered questions from the foreign and Chinese journalists who attended the seminar, and gave advice to those who want to learn calligraphy.