The 14th Asia Arts Festival and the 2nd Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival ended in Quanzhou, Fujian province on Nov 15.

Apart from showcasing the best of Asian arts, the eight-day event paved the way for cultural cooperation between China and other countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Themed around the Maritime Silk Road, the festival entertained global visitors with colorful activities, including an international puppet festival, a martial arts forum, cultural exhibitions and art performances.

In addition, some important meetings such as the Asia Cultural Forum and a gathering of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) were held during the festival, further boosting ties between Asian countries.

Fujian is a key region along the 21st Maritime Silk Road and the festival has brought new opportunity for cultural development in China.

Since 1998 when it was first held in Beijing, the annual festival has attracted more than 30,000 arts troupes from more than 30 countries and regions in Asia and has become one of the most important events for arts exchanges in the region.