BEIJING, Feb. 15 -- Two Chinese artists received a Russian art honor here on Wednesday as Russia Year goes forward in China.

The artists, Yuan Xikun and Gao Man, were rewarded with the honorary membership into the Russian art academy as the first two Chinese laureates.

Russian Amb assador Sergey Razov presented the certificates to them at the rewarding ceremony.

The two artists were well-known for their sculptures, portraits and literature work.

Dozens of activities will be held in China during the Russia Year, covering the political, economic, scientific and technological, educational and cultural sectors.