A scene from Wuxi Opera Lakeside Bride, originally composed and conducted by a Zhangjiagang local troupe [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2016 China (Zhangjiagang) Yangtze River Culture and Art Festival lowered its curtain on Nov 16 at Zhangjiagang's Poly Grand Theater.

During the 17-day long festival, a string of cultural activities were conducted, including a folk art festival, a creative arts and crafts competition and an intangible cultural heritage exhibition.

The highlight of the event was a collection of excellent performances from famous opera artists, staging the unique customs and culture of 12 provinces and cities along the Yangtze River.

Lakeside Bride, a Wuxi Opera concerning the love and marriage problems of today's young people, particularly struck a chord among audience members in their twenties. Originally composed and conducted by a local Zhangjiagang troupe, the drama invited a national first-class screenwriter, director, composer and several Plum Blossom Award winner actors and actresses to stage the work.

Acting Mayor Huang Ji delivered a speech at the closing ceremony. In addition to emphasizing the port city's determination to protect and carry forward the splendid arts and culture of Yangtze River regions, he also called for further exchanges and artistic collaborations throughout the area.

Wuxi Opera: Lakeside Bride [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]