A joint performance program of minority groups in Heilongjiang province kicked off on the evening of Sept 2 at the Harbin Youth Palace.

The four-day program, held by the Heilongjiang Ethnic Affairs Commission, the Heilongjiang Culture Department and the Harbin government, consists of nine shows. A total of 15 groups from schools and institutions took part in the performances.

At the premiere, a song and dance show called Jiang Pan Yu Jia Mei (“Happy Life of Fishermen”) brought fresh songs and routines to audiences. The show was adapted from the traditional song of the Hezhe ethnic group, who only live in Heilongjiang province. Wu Xinmin, inheritor of Yimakan (a story-telling art), and You Zhongmei, inheritor of the Hezhe song, performed wonderfully. The performance was broadcast on CCTV in 2012 on behalf of the provincial culture.

The joint performance displays the culture and art of over 10 ethnic groups living in Heilongjiang. The Man, Hui, Dahaner, Ewenke, Hezhe and Mongolian ethnic groups will each showcase original performances.