Twelve artists from Arabian countries drew more than 60 paintings Saturday at an international culture arts and tourism fair held in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Painters from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and other countries attended the 3rd China (Ningxia) International Culture, Arts and Tourism Fair in Yinchuan, capital of the region.

The works they drew mainly demonstrated the natural beauty of Ningxia and the cultural life of the Muslims living in the region, said Sun Liren, vice president of the Calligraphy and Painting Academy of Ningxia.

The fair, slated to be held from Friday to Tuesday, will include such events as culture and tourism promotion, folk song performances and operas.

The fair is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the Administration of Tourism, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the People's Government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

After the fair, all the works of the Arabian artists will be presented to China's Ministry of Culture as a token of friendship between China and Arabian countries, said Sun.