The 16th Qi Culture Festival opened in grand style in Linzi district of Zibo, Shandong province on Sept 12 to promote its rich culture as well as facilitate trade and attract visitors.

Now a district of Zibo, Linzi was once the capital of Qi, one of the most powerful states during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the following Warring States Period (475-221 BC) for more than 800 years.

Organized by the Shandong provincial department of culture and tourism and the Zibo municipal government, the festival will last about a month and feature more than 40 activities.

One highlight of the festival will be the World Football Culture Summit, as Linzi was designated in 2004 by world soccer body FIFA as the original wellspring of soccer and the true home of the game in 2004.

The world cuju, literally translated as "kick ball", is an ancient iteration of one of the world's favorite sports. According to historical records, it was first played as public entertainment in Linzi, before later being used for military fitness training.

Jiang Duntao, Party secretary of Zibo, said that the festival has become a platform to promote Zibo to the whole world and facilitate local development.

The opening ceremony of the 16th Qi Culture Festival is held in Linzi district of Zibo, Shandong province on Sept 12. [Photo/iqilu.com]

Performers stage traditional dance routines during the opening ceremony. [Photo/iqilu.com]

Mascots for the Qi Culture Festival are unveiled. Their design is based on an age-old wine vessel of national importance called "Xi Zun". [Photo/iqilu.com]