On July 23, when artists from the Elvis Sibeko Studios of South Africa landed at the Diwopu International Airport in Urumqi, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, they were welcomed by their counterparts from a dance troupe of the Xinjiang Art Theater with a flash mob.

"Every time when I see flash mobs performed by people in Xinjiang, which they are good at, I can feel the charm of the singing and dancing of Xinjiang," says Xing Shimiao, general director of the opening ceremony of the 6th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival.

On the following two days, the visiting South African dancers gave two dance drama performances, and displayed their art and culture to the audiences during the festival.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the State Council Information Office and the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the festival brings together more than 1,000 artists at home and abroad who will give 60 performances in all through to Saturday, including ballet, folk dance, dance galas and dramas.

A place where there are many ethnic groups, Xinjiang is home to diverse cultures. Singing and dancing has been a key part of the communication and interactions among the various ethnic groups over time, says Ma Xuguo, deputy director of Xinjiang's department of culture and tourism.

"It's my first time in Xinjiang, and I am fascinated by the diverse ethnic cultures here. The city is so different from my hometown," says Nadezhda Makeeva, a dancer with the Russian song and dance ensemble Zorenka.