The Edinburgh Festival aims to entertain, and this year's program is as good as it gets.

The Edinburgh International Festival presents a vibrant program of classical music, theatre, opera, dance and visual art over three unforgettable weeks in the summer each year.

Festival 2011 celebrates the vibrant and diverse cultures of Asia with the finest artists from countries and regions including China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam joining others from around the world to explore shared passions and its long standing influences on the cultural landscape of the West.

But this year there is an Asian edge with Chinese artists and cultural events taking center stage at the prestigious festival.

Their appearances at the festival are being supported by China's Ministry of Culture.

The National Ballet of China and Shanghai Peking Opera Troupe are among the world-leading artists from China performing at the festival.

Renowned Chinese pianist Li Yundi and guitarist Yang Xuefei will also give solo recitals at the festival.

A number of other prominent artists, academics, authors and composers complete the roll call of leading Chinese cultural figures making a significant contribution to this internationally renowned festival, which is known for its offbeat acts.

Date: Aug 12-Sept 4

Venue: Edinburgh Festival Center and 10 other venues

Website: www.eif.co.uk

China Daily