A folk music concert provided a musical feast by China's National Music Orchestra. Chinese Character Exhibition and other performances and activities showed regional cultures and characters to delegations and representatives of Japan and South Korea.

The deputy mayor of Kyoto, Satoshi Uemura, noted that Kyoto launched a series of cultural and artistic activities in the fields of traditional culture, modern arts, stagecraft, comedies and animation, performed by artists of three countries together.

"We hope that these activities can help with the abundant cultures of East Asia to resonate and create new cultures," he said.

In addition, Changsha officials are promoting cross-border cultural integration, expanding the international influence of the region's culture and strengthening the city's creative industries in many fields.

These festivals in Changsha met international standards, earning the provincial capital a reputation as one of the most culturally creative cities in China, according to local governmental officials.

They cited, for example, the China Golden Eagle TV Art Festival, one of the most prestigious awards and festivals in Chinese television industry; it's been held in Changsha every two years since 2000.

The Orange Isle Music Festival at Orange Island Sand Sculpture Park, located in the middle of the Xiangjiang River, gathers famous singers and bands to give an outdoor musical party every year.

The city has officially set foot on the journey to join the "Creative City Network" as a City of Media Arts, held by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Du Yue, secretary-general of the National Commission for UNESCO in China, spoke highly of Changsha's application to join the network and added that commission members will support Changsha's efforts to apply for it.