4th China-Russia Tourism Festival opens

The 4th China-Russia Tourism Festival has opened in the border city of Suifenhe.

The 4th China-Russia Tourism Festival has opened in the border city of Suifenhe. Situated on the frontier with Russia in northeast China's Heilongjiang province, the city has long been a gateway between the two countries. To coincide with the event, an art festival has also been launched in neighboring Jilin province.

Artists from China and Russia show off the best of their cultures in front of an audience of more than ten thousand. Locals and tourists can enjoy the performance every night during the eight-day event. They can also take part in the parade.

Suifenhe is a popular destination for many Russian tourists, because it is often their first stop once entering China. The festival is expected to draw in more tourists in the coming years.

"I like this city, the people and the culture. I'm very happy to be here," a Russian tourist said.

Heading south to Heilongjiang's neighboring province Jilin, a month-long art festival has just begun in its capital Changchun.

The grassroot festival features well-known local artists from various backgrounds, honing a variety of different skills. They bring dazzling performances of singing, dancing, folk operas, short-sketches and more to local communities.

Local residents will also have the chance to take the center stage to showcase their talent while enjoying the limelight, even if it is just for a couple of minutes.