Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a letter to congratulate the 10th China Art Festival on its opening, wishing for it to become a "carnival of arts and festival for the people."

The 10th China Art Festival kicked off on Friday in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province.

Xi commended artists from home and abroad in the letter, saying the festival has become a grand gathering of artists to display China's path, spirit and strength and that it has contributed to the prosperity of socialist culture over the past 26 years.

During the festival, about 150 exhibitions of paintings and artifacts will be held. People will be able to enjoy the famous self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci and the best works from artists across China.

The 10th China Art Festival, the most comprehensive high-end art event in China, is hosted by the Ministry of Culture and the provincial government of Shandong.

The First China Art Festival was held in Beijing in 1987.