The 13th China International Youth Arts Festival was held both online and offline in a dozen cities across China from Sept 15 to Oct 31.

The China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd. (CAEG) was given full access to CPAA Theatres' resources in cities across China, including 16 directly-managed theatres and 70 allied ones. More than 171 programs containing 270 brilliant performances were on offer to audiences.

Following an initiative in August designed to attract online performances from global art communities, China International Youth Arts Festival received videos of art shows and recorded blessings from over 50 art groups and artists in 26 countries and regions around the globe, including world-renowned establishments such as Mogilev Drama Theater in Belarus and Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo.

Fifteen events under seven major headings, including an online opening ceremony concert, dance shows, online displays of selected global stage art, Columbia Culture Day, a youth art forum and 'Youth Public Welfare in Action' performances, were rolled out between Oct 16-31, attracting more than 8 million online viewers.

Under the newly-added section 'Youth Public Welfare in Action', artists from the China Disabled Person's Performing Art Troupe performed My Dream online, and a joint music group made up of teenagers diagnosed with autism and students from the Central Conservatory of Music also delivered a great performance. It is part of the CAEG's efforts to support teenagers with autism and their families, to win them wider recognition and to create a more inclusive and civilized society.

"Paddy Field Ballet" is a program based on the real story of children living in Naduo village, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao autonomous prefecture in Southwest China’s Yunnan province. The program sought to help local kids realize their artistic dreams while exploring how Naduo village established its cultural assistance mechanism.

Started in 2008, the China International Youth Arts Festival is a government-led multi-lateral cultural exchange event for young people. Over the years, the high-profile and enriching festival has offered a broad platform for young artists globally by holding a host of shows, exhibitions and forums.

The event was co-sponsored by the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the CAEG, Yanqing District People's Government of Beijing Municipality, and Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.