A performer from the China Conservatory of Music plays a traditional Chinese guzheng at the opening ceremony of the Asia Arts Festival in Ningbo on Sept 23. [Photo by Huang Zongzhi/Xinhua]

The 15th Asia Arts Festival kicked off in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Sept 23, with a splendid opening show featuring Asian arts and Silk Road stories.

Performances by troupes from around Asia made the beginning of the festival entertaining and attractive.

China's Minister of Culture Luo Shugang addressed the event, saying that since the festival was established in 1998, it has been an important platform for cultural exchanges and cooperation among Asian countries. He introduced some highlights of the festival like cultural forums on various topics and displays of traditional and innovative art products in Asia.

Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Thai deputy Prime Minister, also attended the opening ceremony. He stressed the important role of Ningbo city in the development of the Maritime Silk Road and stated his belief that the cultural event will bring Asian countries closer to each other.

Hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and the Zhejiang government and organized by the Zhejiang culture department and the Ningbo government, the Asian Arts Festival will stage a variety of activities over the next month.