MANCHESTER, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese students, scholars who study and work in Manchester and the surrounding areas gathered Friday at the official residence of China's consul general to Manchester to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx's birth.

"These people are China's great talents and we hope that through this event we can help them learn more about Marxism, the most valuable and influential legacy from Marx," said Sun Dali, Chinese consul general to Manchester.

Around 100 Chinese students, scholars, representatives from the Confucius Institute and officials from the consulate attended the event.

"Chinese people like me who work in a foreign country can still see China's rapid development and its influence in the world, and all these can help us get to know more about Marxism and the path China has undertaken," professor Lin Li from the University of Manchester told Xinhua.

During his years studying and working in Britain, Li has visited many sites related to Marx, especially in Manchester, which is one of the crucial stops where Marx and Friedrich Engels developed their theories.

Zhang Qianwen, president of Liverpool Chinese Students and Scholars Association, also likes to visit these sites.

"Marx's theories are a good enlightenment for many Chinese students, and I really think students should read more about his works," Zhang told Xinhua.