The Chinese capital is warming up for its major cultural event - the "Meet in Beijing" Arts Festival. 

As one of the largest art festivals in the country, the event's 18th edition will open at the end of April and features a variety of performances, exhibitions, workshops and more. 

From April 27th to May 31, the 18th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival will bring together nearly 800 artists from 19 countries and regions to the capital city. 

130 performances, three art exhibitions and diverse art activities will be held in theaters, art galleries, communities and schools across Beijing. 

Opening this year's event will be a symphony concert led by renowned Chinese conductor Tan Lihua and Italian conductor Andrea Molino at the National Center for the Performing Arts. 

Dance drama "Confucius" presented by the China Opera and Dance Drama Theater will close the event. 

"This year's festival is divided into six sections: music, dance, drama, exhibition, outdoor art festival and public art education activities. Artists from around the world will showcase their best work and capture the essence of both Chinese and foreign arts.The forms are more diverse, the content is more abundant, and it will also reach more people in communities and schools," says Li Jinsheng, Party Secretary of the China Arts and Entertainment Group. 

Every year, the festival will pick one country as the guest country of honor. 

This year, it's Italy's turn and they will present shows, exhibitions, and a gourmet feast during the event. 

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Emanuele De Maigret, Head of the Economic and Commercial office of the Italian Embassy in China, says it's a privilege to promote Italian art and culture here in China. 

"It's a privilege to be the guest country of honor for Italy. It’s a great opportunity to promote masterpieces of Italian art and music.” 

Meet in Beijing Arts Festival is a large-scale international festival hosted by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Beijing Municipality Government and the State Administration of Radio and Television. 

It's organized by the China Arts and Entertainment Group and the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture. 

Inaugurated in 2000, the festival has now developed into a great platform to promote Chinese art and culture around the world, as well as to introduce the essence of overseas art and culture to China.