The city of Yichang in central China's Hubei province will host three festivals, the ninth China International Folk Art Festival, the fourth China Yangtze Three Gorges International Tourism Festival and the third China Yichang Yangtze River Piano Festival, in September.

The Municipal People’s Government held a press conference in Wuhan on August 21 and gave details of the events.

The three festivals will take place from September 14 to 22, and will include more than 20 activities such as seminars, concerning cultural tourism, economy and trade, publicity and marketing and project construction promotion.

The China International Folk Art Festival is held every three years, and 302 artists from 13 countries are expected to attend this year’s ninth festival, with the theme "developing folk arts, promoting friendship and peace".

The China Yangtze Three Gorges International Tourist Festival is hosted alternately by Yichang and Chongqing.

It includes seven themed activities including a forum, a conference on tourism cooperation in the Three Gorges area and a trip to the Three Gorges for local and overseas business people.

Members of the public are welcome to participate in all the activities. This year’s China Yichang Yangtze River Piano Festival is set to include five piano concerts, including a recital by famous Chinese classical pianist, Li Yundi.

 Wang Yinghua, vice mayor of Yichang, said at the press conference that the three festivals will promote Yichang and will also help improve communication between the city and the rest of the world.

Edited by Niva Whyman