HAIKOU /China/, October 7. /TASS/. The authorities of the city of Haikou, the administrative center of the southern Chinese province of Hainan, have for the first time organized an art week with a rich program, the Haikou Daily reported.
The large-scale event, which runs from 1 to 10 October, aims to promote the diversity, high quality and public accessibility of the local entertainment industry. It includes a music program as well as activities related to intangible cultural heritage and visual arts. Artists and performers from all over China and abroad have been invited to participate.
The Arts Week has a Hainan flavor, combining the peculiarities of the maritime climate with the weather advantages of the southern latitudes. It covers Haikou's main attractions, including Qilou Old Street, the historic city center with ancient arched buildings overhanging the pedestrian zone, whose architectural style is reminiscent of buildings in Southeast Asian countries.
The cultural and entertainment events will take place during the National Day of the People's Republic of China holiday from 1 to 7 October, a time when many tourists come to the province. It is expected to create a more attractive image of Haikou for visitors to the island, stimulate the development of local hotels and restaurants, revitalize the consumer sector and accelerate the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port.
The history of Haikou goes back more than 900 years. It is the main cultural and economic center of the province and actively develops cooperation with other countries. With a population of 2.9 million, the city accounts for about one-third of Hainan's gross regional product. According to the Chinese government's plan, a large cluster of headquarters and representative offices of a number of multinational companies will be established here.