South Korea will perform a variety of shows including ancient royal court music, dance, opera, as well as musical and cutting-edge drama.

The Greek National Theater's performance of classic Greek tragedy Prometheus Bound is one of the highlights of the 2008 Meet in Beijing Arts Festival. File photos

Other major international productions include the Irish hit Riverdance, the Broadway musical Hair Spray, opera Aida by Cairo Opera House and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel.

Festival organizers will, of course, also present a diversity of Chinese programs.

"The Chinese programs will show the world an open-minded country of cultural diversity, inheriting the tradition as well as encouraging innovation," says Ding.

One special focus of the Chinese program is the Intangible Cultural Heritage show, which is listed by China's Ministry of Culture.

At the Cultural Palace of Nationalities from June 10 to September 1, folk artists from small towns and the countryside will perform folk operas, ballads, storytelling sessions and dances. They will also perform ethnic music and play on traditional instruments.

Besides Peking Opera, known as the "national opera", China boasts more than 360 local styles of operas, at least 50 of which enjoy great popularity. This year, the Meet in Beijing Arts Festival will give visitors the rare opportunity to see most of the country's local operas in Beijing.

Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao will also dedicate wonderful shows to the Festival. Hong Kong Drama Company's play Princess Delin and Queen Mother Cixi, Hong Kong Dance Company's Dance Along the River during the Qingming Festival, Macao Chinese Orchestra's concerts and Taipei Liyuan Chinese Opera Theater's Peking Opera.

Oscar-winning musician Tan Dun's captivating opera Tea: A Mirror of Soul will premiere in China, at the National Center for the Performing Arts on July 30 and 31.