The China Shanghai International Arts Festival will kick off on Oct 18 at Shanghai Culture Square with a modern dance production of Swan Lake by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Monaco.

It will close on Nov 18 with the performance of an original musical from Shanghai Opera House, The National Anthem, at Shanghai Oriental Arts Center. It tells the story of modern composer Nie Er and his composition of China's national anthem.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the festival has set the big productions in lieu of grand opening and closing ceremonies for the occasion.