"Meet in Beijing" is an opportunity to connect with art from around the world. As Asia's biggest international arts festival in the spring, the 18th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival is expected to bring an arts carnival to the city from April 27 to May 31.

Nearly 800 Chinese and foreign artists from 19 countries and regions will bring 130 performances, three art exhibitions and a number of public art education activities to major theaters and art centers in the city.

"Meet in Beijing" is an annual arts festival sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, State Administration of Radio and Television, and the Beijing municipal government, and organized by the China Arts and Entertainment Group and Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture.

Since this year also marks the fifth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, the festival is aimed at further promoting cultural exchanges between countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Italy, as the Guest Country of Honor for this year, will present a series of shows and activities including the festival's opening concert on April 27.