Dance drama highlights Hainan's ethnic culture

Artists from South China's Hainan Province have brought some authentic minority culture to China Arts Festival in East China's Shandong Province.

"The Story of the Li Ethnic Group" is being told in Qingdao at the 10th China Arts Festival.

The dance drama focuses on the Li - the indigenous people of Hainan Province. They've inhabited the island for over three thousand years, plenty of time to leave an indelible presence that still thrives today.

The Li people are believed to be the earliest settlers in Hainan. They are still a vibrant part of the island's culture and history. This show is all about them, how they settled on the island and overcame many difficulties, according to Peng Yuxiang, director of Hainan Song and Dance Troupe.

The show, which its creators say is as authentic as can be, has been two years in the making.

"The Li people, like other ethnic minorities, are good at singing and dancing. They dance while they work in the fields, celebrate the harvest, worship ancestors, and so on. We have travelled all over the island for research in order to make it a perfect performance," Peng said.

To make it more interesting, the show also incorporates folk tales popular in Hainan.

So far, the performance has been well received at The China Arts festival, which runs till the end of October.