To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore's maiden visit to China, scholars from around the country gathered at the Shanxi Merchant Museum in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, for a series of cultural activities that kicked off on Saturday.

Tagore, also a renowned writer, philosopher and social activist, first visited China in 1924 at the invitation of Chinese scholars Liang Qichao and Cai Yuanpei. During his trip to China, Tagore visited several cities, including Taiyuan.

Liu Yuwei, director of the Taiyuan Cultural Relics Bureau, said the commemorative activities include an academic seminar on Tagore's works and life pursuits, poetry recitals of his literary works, and visits to the places where Tagore had been.

He said Tagore had extensive and in-depth exchanges with local intellectuals during his stay in Shanxi. He conveyed deep affection and friendship towards the Chinese people and recognized and appreciated the cultural ties between China and India.