A mammoth art performance entitled "Ode to Lotus" was staged in Macao at the Macao Cultural Center November 26 night to greet Macao's upcoming return to the motherland.

Singing and dancing performances were presented to eulogize the elegant and pure lotus flower which has been praised by numerous poets in the Chinese history.

What's more, lotus has been made a vital part of the regional flag and emblem of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) which will be established on December 20 this year.

"Macao's return to the motherland is a great event of the Chinese nation, and it will be a great regret if an artist fails to express such a theme in art form," said Li Yuanhua, chief designer of the performance.

Some 80 artists from more than 20 song and dance troupes in the inland areas of China participated in the performance, which was staged in Beijing twice early this month. (Xinhua)