Jilin is about to cause a sensation in Mongolia as a weeklong cultural event featuring the province kicked off in Ulan Bator on Sept 23.

The opening ceremony of China Jilin Cultural Week drew more than 1,200 spectators to the capital city's Central Cultural Palace, where Chinese performers offered a stunning evening gala titled "Charming Changbai Mountains" by the Jilin Song and Dance Co.

The show started with a group dance called "Flying Red-Crowned Cranes", named for the bird that is the emblem of Jilin.

The dance wowed the audience as soon as performers came onstage in their splendid crane-shaped costumes.

To the melodic music, they vividly portrayed the sacred bird's elegant movements and free spirit.

Another highlight on the repertoire was the dance "A Happy Family".

Composed of ethnic Manchu, Mongolian and Korean dances, the performance was a symbol of harmonious life in Jilin province.

It was followed by a women's troupe that performed "Dancing Snow".

Dressed in white, shiny costumes, the performers demonstrated the fairy-like world of ice and snow in Jilin's winter.

In addition to songs and dance, the event that runs to Sept 29 will also feature a photograph show, a paper-cutting exhibition, a film exhibition, and a calligraphy and painting show in the coming days.

The cultural week is organized by the China International Culture Association, the Jilin provincial government, the Chinese embassy in Mongolia, the Mongolian Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as well as the Ulan Bator municipal government.

Qiu Zhaomin contributed to this story??