Dancers perform at the opening ceremony of Xinjiang Week, a special event aiming to promote the northwestern autonomous region during the ongoing Expo, in Shanghai on Sunday. [Gao Erqiang/China Daily]

SHANGHAI - Xinjiang Week kicked off at the Expo Garden's Baosteel Stage on Sunday with performers from the northwestern autonomous region putting on an ethnic song and dance show.

With the theme of "Xinjiang is a wonderful place", organizers of Xinjiang Week hope to demonstrate the generosity and cheerfulness of the region's people through various activities and performances that will continue until Sept 30.

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"Since the opening of the Expo 2010 Shanghai, Xinjiang Pavilion has attracted more than 4 million visitors. The pavilion's unique style and ethnic features have received ample praise from both Chinese and foreign visitors," Yang Xiong, vice-mayor of Shanghai, said during the opening ceremony.

Organizers have prepared a series of joyful activities and performances for each day of the week.

Performers from the Xinjiang Art Theater Song and Dance Troupe, Xinjiang Folk Music Troupe, Xinjiang Maqam Art Ensemble and Xinjiang Culture Art School are set to bring the crowd to a standstill at the pavilion.

"Xinjiang's unique natural scenery, splendid culture and historical relics will be on display during the week. Visitors will be able to see the region's achievements over the past 60 years, especially during the last 30 years since the reform and opening up," said Xu Guanbin, director of the Xinjiang Pavilion.

In addition, visitors will get a chance to experience the renowned jade culture of Xinjiang's Hotan city, which has been prized in China for producing high-quality jade. A total of 21 pieces of famous jade carvings will be displayed in the exhibition area of Baosteel Stage.

In addition, photographs of Xinjiang's people and life by some of the country's most well-known photographers will be exhibited.

Titled "Taking Your Yashmak Off", the photo exhibition focuses on life in diverse Xinjiang.

China Daily