China Folk Art 2005 drawing in the crowds

Running until 1st July 2005, the festival celebrates the best of Chinese folk art - an art form that reflects the long history of popular customs and traditions in Chinese culture. The festival brings together ten of China's most renowned folk artists to display these ancient skills. There are a total of ten different folk arts on display, including Kite Making, Bamboo Strip Plaiting, Silk Portrait and Facial make-up for the Beijing Opera. The Chinese Folk Art performances run from 1630 to 2200 every night.

Mr Shouguang Yang is a leading practitioner of the art of Flour Modelling - dating back over two thousand years, the art involves creating intricate and beautiful models, such as flowers, out of flour. Shouguang, whose work has regularly featured on Chinese TV shows, said, 'We have been getting a great response from visitors of all nationalities and ages. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce these art forms to a new audience.'

The festival has been organised by mall managers Chinamexmart FZCO. Feng Hao, Chairman of Chinamexmart Middle East Investment and Trade Promotion Centre said, 'Following the success of our Chinese New Year celebrations, this event has been proving very popular with visitors. This is the first China Folk Art festival in Dubai, and a key element in our programme to promote Chinese culture in the region.'

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Nakheel Executive Chairman said, 'Whether it be The Palm or The World, Ibn Battuta Mall or Jumeirah Islands, Nakheel prides itself on its innovative and progressive developments. Dragon Mart at International City is no different - it is the largest outlet for Chinese products and services outside China, and China Folk Art 2005 represents our commitment to fresh and exciting events in the city.'

Lewis Vaughan Jones, a tourist from the UK, visiting the mall said, 'The whole of the Dragon Mart development is pretty unique - I haven't seen anything like this before, and the Chinese Folk Art demonstrations that I saw were intriguing. I particularly liked the bamboo strip plaiting.'

Dragon Mart, opened in December 2004, is a Nakheel development, and is jointly promoted by Nakheel and Chinamex Middle East Investment and Trade Promotion Centre.