A rich variety of folk art on exhibit along with drama, singing and dancing made Kaili an alluring place for both tourists and businesspeople this week.

As the 2013 China (Guizhou) International Folk Artworks Fair closed yesterday in Kali many visitors said they are still reluctant to leave.

"I will definitely come here again," said He Yao, a visitor from Hunan province.

Amazed by a performance called Silver Show, she praised the high-tech effects that showcase the life of the local Miao and Dong people.

"It really helps people better understand the culture of Qiandongnan prefecture," she added.

In Qiandongnan various ethnic groups live in harmony, creating a unique culture that has been passed on for many generations, said Li Feiyue, Party chief of the prefecture.

He said the art festival is designed to preserve and develop the unique culture through the coordinated efforts of local people, residents from other parts of the country and visitors from across the world.

"We want to take this opportunity to share the beauty of Qiandongnan with people from around the world," said Liao Fei, head of the prefecture government.

"As Qiandongnan boasts a colorful culture, the festival not only helps preserve that, but also facilitates the development of industries based on the culture," he added.

The event has also brought immediate economic benefits.

The Kaili Investment and Trade Fair held as a part of the event also attracted investors who signed agreements on 59 projects worth a total of 21 billion yuan ($3.4 billion) .

The service industry received the largest amount of investment, with about 13.3 billion yuan going into 27 projects covering culture, tourism, trade, logistics and hotels.

"The festival has become an excellent venue for people from Qiandongnan, Guizhou and even the entire country to do business relating to folk arts and handicrafts, which is expected to inject new vigor in the preservation and development of the diverse ethnic cultures in China", said Yu Xiaodong, deputy secretary-general of China Trade Promotion Association.

zhaokai@chinadaily.com.cn