The curtain of 2015 China (Zhangjiagang) Yangtze River Culture Festival has been raised on Nov 1 in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province.

The six-day long event will conclude on Nov 6.

Yao Linrong, the city's Party secretary, addressed the opening ceremony and said, "Zhangjiagang has hosted the cultural festival for more than 10 years. With the help of 12 other provinces and cities, the festival has become a highlight of Jiangsu to boost cultural communication among different cities."

Adopting a frugal style, it will invite the public to perform at stage and bring art performances to rural areas.

The mega event will comprise many festivals inside it including the fifth international humor art festival, the sixth Yangtze River folk art festival, a Yangtze River youth singing contest and the Yangtze River xiaoxi (story-telling with songs and dances) and xiaopin (Chinese skit) contest.

Edited by Shahnawaz Akhtar