With the theme of "Arts to light up the heart," the recently opened arts festival has attracted over 100 arts groups from 23 countries and regions.

Audiences have been wowed by both western and traditional Chinese dance, music and drama.

Terrance Wright is director of the Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble in the United States. The ensemble sung the popular Chinese song "Mom is the best in the world" at the art festival. Wright says he's very happy with the performance.

"It's very, very eye-opening to just basically see what the Chinese culture is and they enjoy music. So it's been very exiting. We are hoping to be back for the Expo 2010. That will be nice, so anybody who wants us to be there. We are looking forward to being there for 2010."

Highlights of the festival include the modern dance "Tenderhook" by the Scottish Dance Theatre and a performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

The Chinese dance drama "Wang Zhaojun" also provides foreigners a fantastic journey into Chinese culture and history.

The drama depicts a legendary Chinese bride who married a prince for the sake of peace about 2,000 years ago.

Chen Shenglai, director of the arts festival, says the event is a precious platform for those interested in Chinese and foreign culture to learn from each other.

"We present not only modern and original art work but also pieces produced by Chinese and foreign artists working together. Through this arts festival, we intend to bring Chinese culture to the world stage and introduce foreign culture to domestic audiences."

The event will last for a month and presents a total of 55 stage performances.

Chen Zhe, CRI news.