A grass-roots gala is held in Lishui, Zhejiang province on Jan 12 to mark the beginning of a country-wide gala tour. [Photo by Zhan Jianyu]

Self-directed performances presented by villagers from Zhejiang and Fujian provinces were staged in Jinyun county of Lishui, Zhejiang province on Jan 12 to celebrate the approaching Chinese New Year and to inaugurate a country-wide grass-roots gala tour.

With a background of natural scenery composed of lofty peaks, crystal waters and bamboo rafts, distinctive cultural performances, including Wu Opera and Chinese traditional music, created a festive atmosphere at the staging site. A human pyramid, traditional dances and intangible cultural heritage displays drew cheers and applause from local villagers.

Along with the assorted performances, traditional delicacies, like shaobing (clay oven roll) and waxberry wine, were enjoyed by the audience.

The whole gala was live streamed online to present Lishui's beautiful countryside and grass-roots culture.

Li Zhenliang, a Lishui citizen, said the gala brought him back to childhood, as it showed the inheritance of folk cultures, and the development of modern villages.

The grass-roots gala, originating from Yueshan village of Lishui, has been developed into a nationwide activity to celebrate Spring Festival. Strongly promoted by the national Ministry of Culture, these kinds of galas have spread across the whole country. In 2016, Lishui organized 772 grass-roots galas directed by villagers.

A group of ladies in qipao, traditional Chinese cheongsam dresses, walk in the picturesque Xiandu scenic area in Jinyun on Jan 12. [Photo/Lishui Fabu WeChat]

Performers bring distinctive folk dances to locals in Jinyun at the grass-roots gala on Jan 12. [Photo/Lishui Fabu WeChat]