The opening ceremony of the 11th Shandong Culture and Arts Festival was held at Shandong Provincial Capital Culture and Art Center Grand Theater in the province's capital Jinan on Sept 13.

Sponsored by the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture, the annual festival will run till the end of October.

During the festival, more than 80 opera performances, 12 painting exhibitions showcasing thousands of works, and 30 free lectures on culture will be available for the festival-goers.

Of the various activities, a performance of outstanding new operas attracted 24 art troupes from 13 cities in Shandong to present 10 species of operas, including drama, child play, Beijing opera, Shandong bangzi and Liuqin opera.

Taking the opportunity of the 5th Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo held in Jinan, the provincial cultural department also plans to promote the intangible cultural heritages in Jinan's communities and schools.

Opera depicting a diligent local Party secretary staged at the opening ceremony of the 11th Shandong Culture and Arts Festival on Sept 13. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswhtwx]