According to organizers, this year's arts festival emphasizes the importance of joining hands with local partners to guarantee smoother execution and better reception.

"In short, we want to see a deeper integration of our programs with local communities, and a wider range of involvement of local people from all walks of life," said Xiao. "To me, this is what matters most."

Misha Pashkov, program manager and Tseng's colleague at the San Francisco Public Library, said they consistently arrange exhibitions on Chinese culture and Chinese traditional calligraphy classes among members.

"We want to help the public learn the richness of Chinese culture and ancient Chinese civilization," he said, adding this is the third time the library has taken part in the Chinese arts festival.

Contact the writer at junechang@chinadailyusa.com.