China's culture authorities held a symposium in Beijing Friday to mark the centenary of the birth of renowned playwright Cao Yu.

Remembered mainly for his efforts in bringing modern drama to the acceptance of Chinese audiences, Cao was born on Sept. 24, 1910, and died on Dec. 13, 1996.

His most famous works included "Thunderstorm," "Sunrise" and "Peking Man."

At the symposium, Liu Yunshan, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, encouraged literary and art workers to learn from Cao's devotion to Chinese dramatic arts.

The symposium was organized by the Ministry of Culture, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Beijing Municipal Government.

Events marking the anniversary are being held in September and October in Beijing and central Hubei's Qianjiang City, Cao's hometown.