Xi'an, once the country's capital, and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, is holding the country's largest celebration of art - the China Art Festival.

Through Oct 31, a variety of performances selected from over 30 regions across China, including acrobatics, dramas, Peking Opera shows, and dances, exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and photos, art competitions and conventions, are being held in Xi'an, in Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

Over 50 works will compete for the Wenhua Awards, which the Ministry of Culture established in 1991 to honor outstanding stage performances.