Source:CCTV.com

The arts of Asia are coming to the city of Erdos, in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, north of China.

This year's week-long (from 18th to 26th of August, 2009)festival has the theme "Auspicious Prairie, Blissful Asia." Japan, Afghanistan and Nepal are among the twenty-strong countries and regions participating. This is the first time the Asian Arts Festival is being held in one of China's ethnic minority regions. The traditional Mongolian Nadam Fair will be held in conjunction with the festival. It promises wrestling, horse-racing and ethnic dancing for a worldwide audience. Cultural ministers from 16 countries will discuss the opportunities and challenges facing cultural development during the economic downturn.