Arts Festival reflects Silk Road cultures
Updated: 2015-11-09 10:42
By Wang Kaihao and Hu Meidong in Quanzhou, Fujian(China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
China Oriental Performing Arts Group is recognized as one of China's most prestigious performing art groups enjoying official endorsement. They would close out the opening ceremony with an overwhelming coordinated routine. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org] |
The 14th Asia Arts Festival began in Quanzhou, Fujian province, on Sunday, and will continue through Nov 15.The city, known as Zayton in ancient times, was the world's biggest seaport during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).
Delegates and art troupes from 40 countries and regions around the world were represented at the event, which focuses on the traditional art of Asian countries as well as their modern development and legacy.
Quanzhou, China's hub for traditional marionette performance, will witness 60 performances brought by 25 troupes from China and overseas during the festival. Another planned highlight is a fine art exhibition displaying 250 works of art from 30 countries along the Maritime Silk Road that reflect the local people's traditional lifestyle.
"The arts festival this year will echo China's Belt and Road Initiative," said Huang Weizhou, deputy director of the Fujian Cultural Department, a co-organizer of the event.
"Models of cultural exchanges along the ancient route of the Maritime Silk Road will be explored during the festival, also to stimulate Fujian's cultural trade in the future."
An international forum on cross-cultural dialogues among countries along the route will be held during the festival. One hundred scholars, community leaders and officials from 20 Asian countries and regions will exchange ideas at the forum on how to establish a common cultural development in Asia.
"The aspirations of the peoples are vital to the construction of the 21st Century Silk Road. ... We should promote people-to-people cultural exchanges," said Yang Xiuping, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Center, an intergovernmental organization promoting cooperation.
Also on Sunday, a 67-hectare theme park displaying the civilizations of Asian countries along the Maritime Silk Road was opened in Quanzhou to serve as a venue for some events. It will remain open after the festival.
The Asia Arts Festival, which began in 1998 in Beijing, is the first State-level international arts festival approved by the State Council.
Related:
Related Stories
People practice tai chi in Henan 2015-11-07 13:10
Art exhibition of trio Chinese painters kick off in Malta 2015-11-04 14:27
A fascinating glimpse into Artist Books from around the world 2015-11-04 11:02
Van Gogh and his 11 sunflower paintings 2015-11-03 14:50
Art photos of beauty in ancient costumes 2015-11-03 14:33
Today's Top News
Two pandas moving to Dutch zoo from China
UK unveils new spying powers, raising privacy fears
UN chief commends efforts by China, France to push for climate pact
China and Europe to jointly fund scientific research and innovation
Merkel calls for European solution to refugee crisis
China, France made progress in nuclear energy cooperation
More than 100 UK investment projects revealed
Hollande highlights green growth during visit
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Xi just needs to turn up for a grand welcome |
Stepping up |
Rural families still hope for male heirs |
Blue skies over Beijing ... for now |
V-Day parade for 70th WWII anniversary |
Tianjin blasts: Death, damage and bravery |