Popular Chinese actress Zhou Xun was awarded the "Chevalier" medal in the Order of Arts and Letters at the Embassy of France in Beijing, China on Friday Feb. 21, 2014.

The award was presented to Zhou by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, on behalf of the French President. Fabius is in China for a four day visit. At the awarding ceremony, Fabius noted Zhou's achievements in film, her public welfare efforts and her contributions to Sino-French communications.

Zhou did not conceal her excitement, telling a CRI reporter that she was really happy to receive the honor.

"I'm very happy. The year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of official Sino-French relations. I'm very glad to have this honor. I hope I can do more to improve Sino-French cultural communications."

The Order of Arts and Letters was established in 1957 to recognize eminent artists and writers, as well as people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and throughout the world. Before Zhou Xun, Chinese actress Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, actor Jiang Wen and Liu Ye also received this honor.