Fuzhou, hometown of the renowned Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu in Jiangxi province, donated a sculpture of Shakespeare and Tang to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. [Photo/Xinhua]

"We feel that the two great playwrights have a lot of similarities in their works, though we know they never met each other. The characters they created showed their pursuit of freedom, love, well-being and justice. And their magnificent achievements give us unlimited spiritual and imaginary space," said Zhang Hongxing, mayor of Fuzhou.

Performers from Fuzhou performed selections of Tang's more renowned plays, such as Peony Pavilion and The Story of the Purple Hairpin, as well as Fuzhou's traditional folk dances.

"Today's event is historically significant. The Fuzhou delegation not only brings Tang Xianzu to Stratford-upon-Avon and to Britain, but also to all Chinese people's hearts. How we treat Tang reveals how we Chinese people evaluate our own culture, tradition and China's 5,000 years of civilization," said Li Ruru, professor of Chinese Theater Studies at the University of Leeds.

Commemorations for the two literary giants have being held so far this year in both countries, and more troupes from China are expected to perform both Tang's and Shakespeare's works in Britain in the near future.