A foreign sculptor makes his sand sculpture featuring terra-cotta warriors. [Photo/ Zhoushan.cn]

The 20th China Zhoushan International Sand Sculpture Festival is preparing to open in Zhujiajian resort of Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province on July 21. 

A total of 27 sculptors will attend the festival, with seven from foreign countries, such as the Netherlands, Spain, Canada and Russia. The artists started their creative work on July 2, preparing a fascinating audio and visual feast with lights, sounds, waterfalls, springs and colored drawings.

First held in 1999, the sculpture festival, representing the beginning of China’s sand sculpture art, has been held in Zhoushan for 20 consecutive years. This year’s theme is “20 Years, love for sand sculptures”. Sculptors will create over 50 art works in a 200 meter-long and 50 meter-wide area, with the sand used for the creation estimated to exceed 20,000 cubic meters.

The exhibition will last to May 2019. In addition, seven World Cup-themed sculptures, including football stars and mascots of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, will open to public view on June 15, allowing visitors and local residents to enjoy the charm of the sand sculpture in advance.