A total of 293 paintings from across the country were displayed in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on Sept 16, part of the 13th National Exhibition of Fine Arts, local media reported.

This is the first time for Ningbo to host the top national art event, which is scheduled to run until Oct 16.

The National Exhibition of Fine Arts, held every five years, is organized by the China Artists Association and is one of the most influential art shows in the country.

Over the decades, the exhibition has featured many iconic works, including Xu Beihong's Tian Heng and His 500 Retainers and Zhou Sicong's People and Premier Zhou.

The 13th installment of the show will include two parts: the selection process and the final show in Beijing.

The selection process, which began in August, will look at submissions from around the country in a range of artistic disciplines which are being exhibited in 13 cities across China, including Ningbo. Finalists will be selected for the main exhibition in Beijing.

The final show, slated to be held in Beijing in December, will feature paintings, prints, sculptures, photos, installations and other mixed media works produced in China over the past five years.

A panel from the National Exhibition of Fine Arts will also award 40 artworks gold, silver and bronze medals.

Made in China by Chen Shijun, an award nominee at the 13th National Exhibition of Fine Arts [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]