Bright lights, a dancing fire dragon, a fan dance, drums, cartoon shows and parade floats…all will be on display at the grand opening ceremony of the 11th China Hangzhou West Lake International Expo, which will be held on the central square of Xingguang Avenue at the bank of the Qiantang River.

Performers are rehearsing.

The performances will be held on three consecutive days from Oct 16-18, creating a festive atmosphere that is bound to attract people.

Localization is the biggest spotlight of the performances as most of the songs are traditional. “New musical instruments have been used to renovate the songs, such as an electronic orchestra,” said Lu Kang, Director General of the opening ceremony. Lu also revealed the organizer has invited some famous stars to the stage, including Han Hong, Sa Dingding and Bob Bellows, who will play Chinese songs in the Jazz style.

Another highlight of the opening ceremony will be displaying Hangzhou local life onstage. Several programs will be highlighted, including a tea ceremony performance, bartending performance, fashion show and Cosplay.

The opening ceremony stage is ready for action, with a huge electronic screen set-up in the center. “The screen, 17-meters-long, 6-meters-wide, is the largest screen ever used for the opening ceremonies of the West Lake International Expo,” according to an Expo staff member.

“The big screen on the stage will mainly provide a matched background for each team. Some featured art will also be enlarged over the screen,” Lu Kang added.

The 11th West Lake International Expo will be held from Oct 17 to Nov 7, showcasing 121 projects concerning the exposition—a record. Organizers said they hope the exposition will be a grand occasion of serving and entertaining the people.

How the opening ceremony goes off will be answered tomorrow.

By Lucy