The opening ceremony of the 11th International Spring Culture Festival is held at Quancheng Square in Jinan on Sept 6. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The opening ceremony of the 11th International Spring Culture Festival was held at Quancheng Square in Jinan on Sept 6.

The event kicked off with the screening of a video titled The Paradise of Love and Water - the theme of this year's festival - which showcased the unique charm of Jinan's springs as well as the city's poetry and cultural works.

The opening ceremony also featured performances such as musical dramas, acrobatics, comedy shows, and a fusion of rock and traditional opera, which captivated the audience.

Eleven youths were awarded a municipal honorable title for their contributions to the city's development.

Representatives of the cultural tourism sector from districts and counties (functional areas) of Jinan also promoted their region to the world at the opening ceremony.

Jinan has received many well wishes from international friends, including Yukteshwar Kumar, former mayor of Bath in the United Kingdom, for the festival.

A themed market featuring nearly 200 booths has been set up near the venue for the opening ceremony to provide visitors with a chance to experience intangible cultural heritage items, traditional handicrafts, and local delicacies. The market will run until Sept 10.

This year's International Spring Culture Festival features 34 activities, the most out of all editions.

A fusion of rock and traditional opera is staged at the opening ceremony of the 11th International Spring Culture Festival in Jinan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Visitors have a look at Rabbit King, a traditional toy made from mud, at the market for the 11th International Spring Culture Festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]