Dancers from Taizhou and Ili perform an opera-inspired fan dance. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

A dance performance from Taizhou captivated audiences at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Tianma Cultural Tourism Festival, held in Zhaosu county, Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang, on June 20.

More than 100 dancers from Taizhou and Ili took part in the performance, appearing in elaborate traditional opera costumes. Blending the disciplined movements and stylized gestures of Chinese opera with the fluidity and expressiveness of contemporary dance, the performance created a visually striking spectacle that earned enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The appearance highlighted cultural exchanges between Taizhou and Ili while promoting the charm of traditional Chinese performing arts on a broader stage.