A performer plays guzheng, a traditional Chinese musical instrument, in an evening gala for the 2017 BRICS Summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, Sept. 4, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Promoting Fujian's Nanyin to the world

One spotlight of the gala was Nanyin. Nanyin, which has a history of some 1,000 years, is one of the oldest forms of Chinese music preserved in its original state. It was listed in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, bringing it international attention.

It is central to the culture of the people of Minnan (the southern part of Fujian province) as well as the Minnan diaspora overseas. "Nanyin was one of the surprises as the ancient artist form came to the world stage for the first time," said Guan Xia, musical director of the evening gala.

"When we prepared the gala, we wanted to reach as many audiences as possible. As we all know, people from different countries have a different taste in art, so the gala should showcase profound Chinese culture and at the same time reflect the globalized features," Guan added.

"The aim of holding such a gala should be international influences, Chinese characteristics, BRICS spirit and Minnan culture. Therefore, we wanted to use the sea element to promote Chinese traditional culture," said Chen Yan, dance director of the evening gala.

Two artists perform traditional wedding ceremony and dancing in an evening gala for the 2017 BRICS Summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, Sept 4, 2017. [Photo/VCG]