The first Silk Road International Arts Festival was held in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province, from Sept 12, 2014.

Ministers of culture from 13 countries watched the arts festival opening performances at Xi'an People's Theatre. The performance Friends Come from Afar characterized by Chinese features opened the ceremony. Artists from China, India and Spain jointly performed on stage, which reflected the integration of different cultures and ethnic groups. The show ended on a high note with the dance Bosom Friends Afar.