The 5th China Xinjiang International Folk Dancing Festival opened in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on July 20.

The festival, scheduled from July 20 to Aug 5, has gathered more than 20,000 dancers from countries all over the world including Egypt, Pakistan, Georgia, England and Myanmar. More than 60 performances will be stage in the city.

Dancers in gorgeous ethnic costumes perform during the 5th China Xinjiang International Folk Dancing Festival in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on July 20. [Photo by Liu Xin/chinanews.com]

Luo Shugang, China's Minister of Culture, said that this year's festival is themed "Chinese Dream, Colorful Silk Road".

"The Ministry of Culture will support cultural development in Xinjiang, a core region of the Silk Road Economic Belt, and boost the inheritance and promotion of Xinjiang's traditional folk cultures," Luo added. "The festival will enhance communications and cooperation between Xinjiang and the world."

A dancer flies on a swing during the 5th China Xinjiang International Folk Dancing Festival in Urumqi on July 20. [Photo by Liu Xin/chinanews.com]

A series of cultural exhibitions and activities will also be organized during the festival, including online dancing interaction days, a Chinese Opera Art Week, the Xinjiang Youth Oil Painting Exhibition and China Youth Printmaking Exhibition.

The China Xinjiang International Folk Dance Festival, approved by the State Council, is hosted biennially and aims to be a "gathering of art and a festival of the people".

The China Xinjiang International Folk Dancing Festival is hosted biennially in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Liu Xin/chinanews.com]

Edited by Zachary Dye