Stepping into the limelight

With Urumqi serving as the main venue, the festival has regional sub-venues in Ili, Hotan, Aksu, Karamay, Hami and Ala'er. Accompanying activities include the 2025 Xinjiang Silk Road Street Dance Show, village dance community performances, an international dance carnival, and a traditional opera week.

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the State Council Information Office, and the Xinjiang regional government, the event has been held since 2008, attracting 138 art groups from more than 70 countries and regions during its previous six sessions.

Mao Weihua contributed to this story.