China geography magazine's English edition "will promote nation's civilization"

BEIJING, April 22 (Xinhua) -- A senior editor of a Chinese geography magazine said Wednesday the launch of its English version would help it reach a global audience and promote Chinese civilization.

Li Yongshi, editor-in-chief of Chinese National Geography, a monthly magazine similar to the U.S.-based National Geographic, said the English edition launched Tuesday would target foreign readers in and outside China and overseas Chinese.

The new edition "will reveal the ancient civilization [of China]and its splendid history through in-depth reports about the country's geography, history and culture," he said.

Initially, the magazine will distribute 93,000 copies in China and the Asia-Pacific region. It is expected to go on sale in Europe and the United States in 2010, an official of the magazine said.

The first issue of the English edition features stories and photos about the central Henan Province, which is believed to be the cradle of Chinese civilization.

The magazine began publishing in 1949 as "Di Li Zhi Shi" (Knowledge of Geography). The magazine is now managed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.