VietNamNet Bridge - Hue Festival 2016 kicked off at the Ngo Mon (Noon Gate), ancient capital city of Hue, with a range of artistic programmes on April 29.

As may as 36 art troupes officially registered to participate in the festival, including 23 troupes from 17 countries worldwide.

More than 50 activities will take place every night during the week-long event.

Besides the traditional stages in the Inner Citadel, An Dinh Palace, the Bia Quoc Hoc Squarer and the Central Cultural House, 11 new stages have been set up for large-scale art performances.

Along with artistic programmes featuring the characteristics of cultures worldwide and the quintessence of Vietnam ’s arts and culture, Hue ’s folklore arts and street arts will be given a chance to shine.

In addition, diverse cultural activities offer plenty of choices for visitors, ranging from exhibitions of photos and calligraphy, cuisine demo, to kite flying, sports contests, scientific workshops and trade fairs.

With the theme “Cultural heritage with integration and development,” the festival aims to honour the 710th anniversary of the region, Thua Thien-Hue (formerly known as Thuan Hoa, and then Phu Xuan).

VNN/VNA/Zing

Russian dancers

Chinese artists

The opening ceremony closed by a 15-minute firework show.