ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival is set to begin on July 20 in Urumqi, the capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and will continue through August 5, organizers announced at a press conference on Wednesday.
Cultural Exchange on a Global Stage
Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the State Council Information Office, and the Xinjiang regional government, the festival will feature 52 live performances from 24 art troupes, both domestic and international.
According to Yu Jie, deputy director of Xinjiang’s culture and tourism department, performers from eight countries, including the United States, Italy, Kazakhstan, and Cambodia, will participate. The lineup spans a wide variety of genres such as dance dramas, ballet, musicals, ethnic operas, and contemporary dance*.
Multiple Venues Across Xinjiang
In addition to Urumqi as the main stage, six branch venues have been announced in other cities and regions of Xinjiang:
Ili
Hotan
Aksu
Karamay
Hami
Alaer
These locations will host satellite events, enabling broader regional participation and audience reach.
Festival Legacy and Belt & Road Ties
First launched in *2008, the China Xinjiang International Dance Festival is China’s premier international event dedicated solely to dance. In six previous editions, the festival welcomed **138 art groups from over 70 countries and regions, staging **more than 200 performances. It has become a vital platform for **cultural diplomacy and artistic exchange, particularly under the **Belt and Road Initiative*.
Public Engagement & Tourism Boost
To enhance the festival experience, *special promotions* will be available for visitors, covering *dining, lodging, transport, shopping, and entertainment. Artists are also scheduled to deliver **mini-performances at popular tourist attractions* and cultural landmarks, encouraging public interaction with international art forms.
This year’s festival coincides with the *70th anniversary* of the establishment of the *Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region*, further underscoring its cultural and historical significance.
