The 14th Asia Arts Festival and the 2nd Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival commenced on Nov 8 in Quanzhou, Fujian province.

Luo Shugang, Minister of Culture, delivered the opening speech, "The festival will boost cultural communication among countries along the Maritime Silk Road. China will work with other Asian countries on a peaceful and harmonious life."

You Quan, Party secretary of Fujian province, extended a warm welcome to the delegates from home and abroad. He noted that the festival in Quanzhou, which is the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, will be a grand gathering for Asian countries to share cultural achievements and promote cultural exchanges.

The opening ceremony was followed by an evening gala, which highlighted the theme of the Maritime Silk Road. More than 10 programs were presented to display the best culture that Asian countries have to offer. The performances were also blended with Fujian culture.

This year's arts festival is in six parts focusing on performing arts, visual arts, arts exchanges, cities of culture, online arts festival and activities in the Maritime Silk Road Art Park. More than 100 delegates from 40 countries and regions along the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road have joined the event.

In addition, cultural celebrities such as Nobel Prize laureate Mo Yan and well-known Chinese writer Yu Qiuyu will attend a series of cultural forums.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and initiated in 1998 in Beijing, the Asia Arts Festival was the first national-level international arts festival.

The annual event has become a well-established international festival and a stage for Asian artists to show the beauty of their art.

The 14th Asia Arts Festival and the 2nd Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival kick off on Nov 8 in Quanzhou, Fujian province. [Photo by Hu Meidong/chinadaily.com.cn]