The art of tattooing reaches new standards as international artists flock to the capital for Beijing's first International Tattoo Festival.

The preconceived notion that tattoo art in China is in its naivety and a dangerous venture to undertake is being readily challenged by Beijing's old school body art masters, and they've invited the best of the best in Asia to prove their point.

On October 2nd and 3rd Beijing will host its first ever official Tattoo Exhibition in the Xidan Zhongyou Baihuo, no. 8, room T8. Organizer and tattoo artist Xiao Long is extremely enthused at the prospect of being able to showcase the advancements in tattoo art over the years in Beijing. "This exhibition gives us the chance to show the culture that has grown around tattoos, to share artistic approaches, show advancements and demonstrate to both local Chinese and foreigners that safety standards are equal to those of the West," says Xiao Long.

Xiao Long owns a tattoo shop in the hutong just opposite Qianmen and business has recently been quite good. "The problem in China is that people are not necessarily open to this form of art, their mindset doesn't allow for the consideration of tattoo as art, but this is changing," explains Xiao Long. "That is what is exciting about this exhibition - we will be able to showcase some of the best of Asia's tattoo art with the likes of Diao An's artists from Taiwan coming over to participate." Diao An is a world class tattoo shop in Taiwan that is home to some of Asia's best of the best in tattoo art, having gained respect and fame internationally.

The limited acceptance of tattoo art is frustrating for Xiao Long and his compatriots - China is the birthplace of tattooing with a history dating back 5000 years. In fact, tattoos have appeared on every continent throughout history and in basically every culture but seem to have carried with them, through time, negative connotations branded by organized religion that enforced bans on tattooing the body or the association of tattoos with mafia, gang initiations and marks of honor. Xiao Long and these visiting artists have goals to demystify this art and bring back the acknowledged respect of the past.

The history of tattoos and the art will be discussed at the exhibition from 1-5pm on October 2nd followed by exhibits of fine works and high caliber body art. October 3rd will be a day of tattooing - art in action and all are free to watch and observe the technique and safety procedures and request a tattoo if interested. Following the day of live art, the artists from across Asia will meet (privately) to discuss concerns in performing tattoo art, advancements in the art in each individual's country, and safety measures and concerns. "This is a very important part of the exhibition," says Xiao Long. "We really want to have the opportunity to speak to one another."

The exhibition is scheduled for October 2nd, 1-5pm and October 3rd, 10am-6pm in the Zhongyou Baihuo, No. 8, Shop T8 in Xi Dan. For more information call 8316-4451. The exhibition is free to the public.

Long Xiao Tang (Xiao Long's tattoo shop) is located at No. 63 Qianmen Meishi Jie, 8316-4451, lxt231@sohu.com, 9am-11pm.