Actors from Saudi Arabia interact with children at the Quanzhou Wenling Experimental Kindergarten. [Photo by Chen Yingjie/qzwb.com]

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and the 10th year since the first Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival was held in Quanzhou.

As such, the fifth Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival, themed "Appreciate the Beauty of Diverse Civilizations", wishes to share with the world "a stage for exchange, a festival of art and a gala for all". Taking this festival as a new starting point, Quanzhou will further enhance its influence and promote cultural exchanges.

The festival, which made its return after a three-year hiatus, took place from Dec 8 to 13.

Fifty-two art groups from 43 countries and regions, guests from 16 countries as well as more than 80 experts, scholars and artists were invited to attend this festival. The event showcased a variety of performances, including Nan Yin, puppet shows, and street dance, creating a vibrant artistic atmosphere.

In addition, an exhibition featuring 118 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items was presented both online and offline, allowing online celebrities and ICH inheritors to interact.

This year's festival had an emphasis on innovation and promoting a deeper understanding of Quanzhou's cultural significance.