The Shanghai International Arts Festival is into its final stage of preparation prior to its opening next week. This year, the month-long event is based on the themes of sharing, innovation, and exchange.

Special events have been created to encourage the participation of ordinary people.

The Shanghai International Arts Festival is into its final stage of preparation prior to its opening next week

The 10th Shanghai International Arts Festival opens October, 17th, with a grand gala at the Baoshan Sports Center. The month's long festivities will see a full scale carnival open up on city streets with events set for several locations.

This year,the month-long event is based on the themes of sharing,innovation,and exchange

Two dominant themes will be a celebration of 30 years of China's reform and opening up program and the upcoming 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. Special events have been created to encourage the participation of ordinary people. Cultural exhibits from home and abroad will be on show, including fine arts, dance, concerts, and other exhibitions.