Opening Ceremony of the 39th Chrysanthemum Culture Festival in Kaifeng, China[Photo by Yang Peixin]

On the evening of October14, with rains drizzling, the 39th Chrysanthemum Culture Festival in Kaifengwitnessed a grand opening ceremony.

The event themed on "Centurial CharmofFragrant ChineseChrysanthemums"highlights the fine traditional Chinese culture and showcases the unique charm of the Song Dynasty and Chinesefashion.

Opening Singing and DancingWelcome[Photo by Wan Qingli]

Singing and DancingZhifou Zhifou, a Themed Song of the TV Seriesthe Story of Minglan[Photo by Yang Peixin]

At the opening ceremony, Kaifeng received the best wishes from its dear friends. Mayors of Toda of Japan, Yeongcheon of South Korea, Kiryat Motzkin of Israel, Wichita of the United States and other international sister citiesdelivered speeches via the video and sent their congratulations on the opening of the Chrysanthemum Culture Festival.

Mayor of international sister city is delivering a speech via the video. [Photo by Deng Gaojing]

The opening performances integrated traditional Chinese culture with regional features of Kaifeng, highlighted Kaifeng's inheritance and development of the Song Dynasty culture, and enhanced the city's profileas a renowned international city of culture and tourism.

Peking Opera Performancethe Case of Chen Shimei[Photo by Wan Qingli]

DanceMo Yu Shou Jin[Photo by Wan Qingli]

Releaseof "Henan Opera" Special Stamps[Photo by Wan Qingli]

The Chrysanthemum Culture Festival will last until November18. Before the opening ceremony was the releaseof "Henan Opera" Special Stamps.