Engaging musical and operatic performances showcased Fujian's rich traditional culture to international visitors in Shishi city, Fujian province, on April 17. The event was held a day before the third Maritime Silk Road International Brand Expo and the 20th Straits Textile and Clothing Fair.

The coastal city of Shishi lies south of the Quanzhou Bay, which is widely considered as the starting point of the historic Maritime Silk Road. Boasting a thriving garment industry, the city hosted the international brand expo and textile and clothing fair April 18 to 20 and will also host the 2017 Shishi International Fashion Week April 24 – 27.

A Gaojia Opera performance forms part of a gala prior to the third Maritime Silk Road International Brand Expo and the 20th Straits Textile and Clothing Fair, taking place in Shishi city, Fujian, April 18 – 20. [Photo by Song Weiwei/Xinhua] Gaojie Opera is a traditional form of Chinese opera that first emerged during the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is famous for its female roles, and its clown, or chou, roles. Chou actors are required to master a distinct acting style, in which their jerky movements imitate those of puppet figures.