The 12th Asia Arts Festival kicked off in Chongqing , a city in southwest China, on Oct 10, 2011. Performers from more than 30 countries, regions and international organizations will be performing during the month-long festival.[Photo/Xinhua]

The 12th Asia Arts Festival kicked off in Chongqing , a city in southwest China, on Oct 10, 2011. Performers from more than 30 countries, regions and international organizations will be performing during the month-long festival.

“Cultural differences and diversities are the internal factor that moves various cultures towards dialogue, which could help reduce misunderstanding,” said Cai Wu, Chinese Minister of Culture at the opening ceremony. “At the same time, communication between different cultures forms the driving forces that facilitate regional cultural prosperity.”

The festival, called Communication•Integrity•Sharing•Harmony, contains a series of programs, including the 1st Asia Cultural Forum, ASEAN Cultural Week, an outdoor concert called The Sound of Asia and an anime art expo.

The 12th Asia Arts Festival kicked off in Chongqing , a city in southwest China, on Oct 10, 2011. Performers from more than 30 countries, regions and international organizations will be performing during the month-long festival.[Photo/Xinhua]

More than 50 classic dramas take the pride of place in this session. Thousand-hand Bodhisattva from China, ballet The Swan Lake, South Korean opera Oedipus Rex and other top forms of performing art in Asia will be shown during the 10-day event.