The fourth Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival will be held in the coastal city of Quanzhou, East China's Fujian province, from Nov 22 to 27. The event, which is approved by the Chinese central government, takes place every two years.

Themed "Construction of Maritime Silk Road ", the six-day event will feature cultural performances, forums on artistic development and exhibitions of international intangible cultural heritages related to the Maritime Silk Road.

More than 1,200 artists, experts and scholars from over 40 countries and regions will take part in the festival. Highlights of the festival will include a star-studded opening ceremony on Nov 22, displays of traditional art and handicrafts from 12 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia, and interactions with internet users on major Chinese social media platforms Weibo, WeChat and Douyin.

The emblem of the festival – erythrina flowers – the city flower of Quanzhou, by extension is also a metaphor for the Zayton Port in Quanzhou, the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road – the ancient trade route formed centuries ago that linked the port city with the West, shipping Chinese treasures including silk products, porcelain and tea leaves to other parts of the world.

The emblem's color design is formed by the fusion of the colors of the erythrina flowers and the sea. The symbol formed by five petals is like a traditional dance to celebrate the festival, and like a flying dove, which symbolizes peace and friendship. The five petals are also a symbol of international artists from all over the world who gather together as a link.