The Second Chinese Arts Festival concluded on March 31 in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. The week-long event is a part of the Chinese government's celebrations for Manama being named Arab Capital of Culture 2012, and is part of an effort to boost ties between Manama and Beijing, with more than 100 artists involved.

"This art festival helps boost ties between China and the Arab World," said Yang Weiguo, Chinese ambassador to Bahrain. "And it plays an important role in strengthening the sharing of cultures."

Hosted by the Chinese embassy in Bahrain, the festival showcased Chinese ethnic dances, Shaolin kungfu, Chinese embroidery art, as well as dances and music integrated with Arabian elements.