KUNMING, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The annual culture and arts festival for countries along the Lancang-Mekong River opened Wednesday in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

More than 260 artists from countries including China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand attended the opening ceremony of the event, which is held in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture this year.

The three-day culture and arts festival includes art performances, photo and art exhibitions, as well as literature forums, to promote cultural exchanges in the region.

"The festival provides us with a great platform for mutual exchanges," said Vixay Panoudeth, a 27-year old Laotian music teacher who played the Lusheng, a musical instrument with multiple bamboo pipes, at the opening ceremony of the festival.

"This is my first time to attend the festival and so far, I love it! Xishuangbanna and my hometown have a lot in common and I'm looking forward to coming here again," he added.

According to Zhao Jiaxin, deputy head of the prefecture, culture and arts are boundless, and through them, cooperation in other areas such as trade and education can also be strengthened.

The Mekong River, known as the Lancang River at the Chinese stretch, runs through China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It is an important waterway, bringing essential cooperation between countries along the river.