Vietnamese musicians perform at the opening gala of the 15th Asia Arts Festival in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, Sept 23. [Photo/Xinhua]

The host city, Ningbo, is known for its openness and pioneering spirit. "Ningbo is an important city along the Maritime Silk Road," Culture Minister Luo Shugang said. "It will continue to inject energy and vitality into the Asian Arts Festival and regional artistic development."

The Asia Arts Festival is the first regional international art festival authorized by the State Council.

Since its launch in 1998, the festival has welcomed more than 300 art troupes from over 30 Asian countries and 10 million audience members.

After years of effort, it has grown into a major platform for intergovernmental cultural cooperation.