A Russian junior dance troupe performs in Yantai, capital of Shandong province. [Photo/jiaodong.net]

A Russian junior dance troupe visited Yantai, capital of Shandong province, from Nov 8 to 11 as part of its tour of China from Nov 6 and 12 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia.

The troupe, founded in 1997, has performed at many art festivals around the world and won a number of international awards. Members of the troupe range from four to 20 years old.

This is the first time for the group to visit China.

The Yantai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries organized a series of cultural exchange activities for the troupe, taking them to a local dance school, the city's youth palace, the Chateau Changyu Castel and a famous local park.

The troupe performed 10 dances and in return several Yantai children performed some well-known Chinese dances.

The two sides discussed dance, learned from each other, and swapped gifts.

Dancers from Russia and Yantai learn from one another. [Photo/jiaodong.net]

The troupe thanked Yantai for the warm reception they received and welcomed Chinese dancers to perform in Russia. They also invited children from Yantai to attend an international children's art festival in Russia next March.

"Through the activity, we've not only learned more about dance, but also strengthened the bond between China and Russia. Children on both sides learned more about each other's art and culture," said Cui Jiancheng, vice-chairman of the Yantai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Cui added that they will continue to promote Yantai’s culture by increasing cultural exchange with foreign countries.

Members of the Russian dance troupe write down their thanks and best wishes for Yantai. [Photo/jiaodong.net]