Thirty-seven performing troupes from across Asia will gather next month at a grand festival in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan province, to provide their distinctive forms of entertainment for locals and tourists from home and abroad.

The 10th Asian Art Festival is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and the Henan provincial government and organized by the Henan Culture Bureau, the Zhengzhou city government and Kaifeng city government. It will be held in Zhengzhou and the neighboring city of Kaifeng from September 26 to October 8.

Shaolin in the Wind by Zhengzhou Song and Dance Troupe

Zhengzhou, the main venue, will host the opening ceremony and most of the events.

Troupes from about 20 countries and regions, including South Korea, India, Japan, North Korea, Syria, Kirghizstan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, Cambodia, Turkey, Israel, Myanmar and Mongolia, as well as those from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, will participate.

Five cultural ministers and 20 diplomats from participating countries will also attend.

The festival will include five types of events - performances, movies, mass cultural activities, exhibitions and a trade fair.

An opening evening party called "Harmonious Asia" will be staged in Zhengzhou on September 26, featuring songs and dances of the various Asian countries and regions.

Troupes will present nearly 100 performances including songs, dances, operas, dramas and concerts.

Chinese delegations will perform local operas including Yuju (Henan Opera), Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera.

The closing evening party - called "Meeting in Henan" - will be held in Kaifeng.

The event's Asian Movie Festival will show about 50 films produced in Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Israel and Syria, screened at cinemas, squares, schools and communities in Zhengzhou and Kaifeng. Organizers say it is a rare opportunity for audiences to see films with different cultural backgrounds - the Chinese industry is dominated by domestically produced films and those imported from the United States.

A parade with floats and a tour of theme parks will offer additional public entertainment and recreation.