A press conference for the first Shanxi Art Festival takes place in Taiyuan on July 25. [Photo/sxgov.cn]

The first Shanxi Art Festival will take place in Taiyuan from Aug 18 to Sept 26, according to a press conference held on July 25.

The art festival, which is the largest of its kind held in Shanxi in recent years, will consist of 29 events in four different categories, such as exhibitions and performances.

Musicals, dances, operas and plays from both home and abroad will be staged during the art festival with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra and other troupes taking part.

A poster for the first Shanxi Art Festival [Photo/sxgov.cn]

The highlight of the festival will be an exhibition named "Art & Shanxi" which runs from Aug 18 to Oct 2. It will display artwork by world famous artists like Picasso and Salvador Dali as well as pictures by Chinese painters, such as Fu Shanxi and Qi Baishi.

To entertain residents and allow them to join in and enjoy the festival, some 100 cultural programs and performances have been scheduled. People from all walks of life will be able to watch shows and visit the theater thanks to cheap tickets. People will also be able to stream shows over the internet.