He says that, above all, the works on show address how people deal with themselves and others, and forge harmony with other lives in nature.

Presenting "special exhibitions" on the sidelines of the themed one has become a tradition of the biennale.

This year, there are five such shows, including one with 32 sports-themed works from artists in 16 countries that were exhibited at the biennale in previous years.

The biennale has assembled a collection of nearly 700 works, thanks to the donation made by featured artists on show, and selected pieces from its increasing holding at home and abroad have toured from time to time, says Shang Hui of the curatorial committee.

Another two exhibitions, Contemporary Art of Twelve European Countries and Giorgio Morandi's Prints, introduce to audiences in China the richness and diversity of European culture.