The Yangtze River Culture Festival kicked off on Saturday in Zhangjiagang, east China's Jiangsu Province, uniting 13 provinces, regions and municipalities along the Yangtze River. The grand event is all about exploring the rich cultural heritage and contemporary significance of the Yangtze River, fostering regional integration and promoting mutual learning.

The opening ceremony of the Yangtze River Culture Festival takes place on Saturday in Zhangjiagang. /Huang Dan

This year's theme is "Integration, Promotion, and Sharing." With five main focuses – "Cultural Relics, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Artistic Charm, Travel and Openness" – the festival is hosting 14 events to enhance cooperation from the source to the mouth of the Yangtze River.

Drum performance at the opening ceremony of the Yangtze River Culture Festival in Zhangjiagang on Saturday. /Huang Dan

Drum performance at the opening ceremony of the Yangtze River Culture Festival in Zhangjiagang on Saturday. /Huang Dan

Suzhou tanci, a folk vocal art form, performs at the opening ceremony of the Yangtze River Culture Festival in Zhangjiagang City on Saturday. /Huang Dan

Suzhou tanci, a folk vocal art form, performs at the opening ceremony of the Yangtze River Culture Festival in Zhangjiagang City on Saturday. /Huang Dan

French band performs at the opening ceremony of the Yangtze River Culture Festival in Zhangjiagang City on Saturday. /Huang Dan

French band performs at the opening ceremony of the Yangtze River Culture Festival in Zhangjiagang City on Saturday. /Huang Dan

The "Guardians of the Yangtze" Intangible Cultural Heritage and Folklore Fair is an event not to be missed. Nearly 100 "market-goers," including many intangible cultural heritage craftsmen, have brought the best of the artifacts, delicacies and goods, creating a vibrant cultural and tourism scene that combines exhibitions, performances, cuisine, sports, experiences and shopping.