Annual art festival kicks off in Shenyang

Excitement came to town -- as the fifth "Summer of Hunhe River" culture and art festival opened at Wulihe Park in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province, on May 31.

A raft of activities including singing, dancing, and a fashion parade featuring the qipao -- the traditional Chinese body-hugging, one-piece dress, also known in Cantonese as the cheongsam -- were staged during the opening ceremony, drawing a large number of visitors.

Initiated in 2015, the festival has been held for four times to date, with the keen participation of tens of thousands of performers.

Focused on celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, this year's event will last four months, during which art performances, cultural exhibitions, sports competitions, and other activities will be staged for residents.