The 10th China Art Festival will kick off in October. Five plays from Suzhou have been selected to compete in the festival, the most Suzhou has ever contributed to the event.

The China Art Festival is an important national cultural and art pageant for ordinary people throughout the country. Approved by the Chinese government, the festival was initiated in the autumn of 1987. The first China Art Festival was held in Beijing. Afterwards it was held every two years. The festival is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and the provincial or municipal government. It usually lasts 15 to 20 days.

A total of 88 plays have been selected to compete in the 10th China Art Festival. Two plays will also be performed. Peony Pavilion from the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater and Fate with a Cup from the Zhangjiagang Art Center are the competitive plays. This is the first time that Suzhou has two plays in competition at the China Art Festival. At the same time, another three plays were selected for the final Star Award.