Beijing is hosting the 14^th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival which features art, music, dance, and other cultural expositions and shows from around the world.

Some 200 art troupes from more than 30 countries are participating in the event that opened Monday and will run until May 25.

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Everything from classical ballet to art exhibitions will be featured at different locations throughout the city.

As an added attraction, organizers said this year's festival will highlight Latin American shows.

A three-day music concert will feature the China National Orchestra using traditional Chinese instruments to play classical music from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Uruguay's Ambassador to China, Rosario Portell, looks at the event as an opportunity to create better communication through the arts as well as a means to strengthen cultural ties.

She likened the arts festival experience to that of building a bridge, adding that Latin America extensibly uses dance, music, photography, design and painting to recreate and renew their art forms through interactions with artists from other countries.

Meet in Beijing Arts Festival made its debut in 2000 with featured art troupes from more than 24 countries.

To date, more than 30,000 artists from over 115 countries have participated in the annual festival and have helped further China's dream of fostering cultural connections around the globe.