The launch ceremony of the ninth Jilin Provincial Citizens' Cultural Festival, July 26 [Video provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The ninth Jilin Provincial Citizens' Cultural Festival is officially launched, with a ceremony held in Liaoyuan city, in Northeast China's Jilin province, on July 26. The festival will run for three months, featuring some 600 events – including artistic performances, cultural lectures, and painting and calligraphy exhibitions. [Photo/WeChat account of Jilin Release]

Colorful artwork and handicrafts go on display at the launch ceremony in Liaoyuan city. [Photo/WeChat account of Jilin Release]

A wonderful example of Dongliao gourd painting, seen here, is characterized by vibrant colors and poker work. The handicraft involves decorating the gourd with bright colors, so that the color and the shape and size of the gourd itself are unified. The technique has been placed on the list of protected Jilin provincial intangible cultural heritage. [Photo/WeChat account of Jilin Release]

A moving rendition by a woman playing the pipa – a four-stringed Chinese musical instrument – takes place. [Photo/WeChat account of Jilin Release]