The seventh China-Russia college students' arts festival opened Thursday as 2,000 students from both sides attended the opening gala in Beijing Foreign Studies University.

During the festival, sponsored by the Ministry of Education, a delegation of 53 Russian students will be invited to visit universities and cultural attractions in four Chinese cities of Beijing, Daqing, Weihai and Qiqihar.

Vice minister Hao Ping said the festival, as a major event for the 2009 "Year of Russia" in China, was of great significance as the two countries were celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

"The festival is designed to push forward mutual understanding and friendship between young people from the two countries and consolidate Sino-Russian friendship passed down on by generations," said Hao.

The festival, initiated in 2003, was hosted in the two countries for six consecutive years. This year it will run for 11 days.

According to the ministry, thousands of Russian students have been invited to China for the festival since 2003.