A stage photo of drama Fayuan Temple in Beijing. [Photo/artsbird.com]

This year happens to be the 400th anniversary of the deaths of two literary giants, Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare. During the festival, interpretations of their work will take many forms by artists from different countries working together. Henry V will be jointly rendered by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

October 22 will mark the 80th anniversary of the completion of the Long March of the Red Army. To carry forward the Long March spirit of bravery, perseverance and solidarity, many moving and powerful stories will be told on stage.

In response to China's Belt and Road Initiative, there is going to be a special segment for countries and regions along the "Belt and Road" to showcase music and culture they are proud of.

The festival will also serve as a platform for supporting young artists. After three rounds of evaluation and selection, a dozen brilliant works created by talented youth will be featured at the festival. They will demonstrate young people's lives and thoughts in today's generation.

The China Shanghai International Arts Festival, which is hosted by the Ministry of Culture and organized by Shanghai Municipal People's Government, is the only state-led international arts festival in China. It has grown into a flagship project for cultural exchanges and one of the most influential events in China's art circle since its debut in 1999.