The children performed 14 songs and dances at the opening ceremony, calling for peace throughout the world.

The young participants, 681 from overseas and 677 from China, will participate in a wide range of activities during the six-day festival, including programs in a local international children's village, unveiling of a peace wall, a painting exhibition and a summer camp focusing on Chinese culture.

The festival is sponsored by the Tianjin municipal government in cooperation with the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

(Xinhua News Agency July 29, 2002)