A month-long gala featuring a series of theatrical performances and other cultural activities has kicked off in the Chinese capital of Beijing.
Vice-premier Li Lanqing and other state leaders joined local people for the opening ceremony Monday, and watched "Carmen" performed by the China Opera House.
The gala, called "Meet in Beijing, 2000," is jointly sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.
Artists from some 20 countries and regions are taking part in the four week programme.
