A local official from Ningbo addresses the Ningbo Day of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 in Beijing, capital of China, on July 17. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

The Ningbo Day of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 opened in Beijing, capital of China, on July 17 – with organizers saying that it successfully promoted Ningbo's folk culture and art.

Some of the city's intangible cultural heritage arts were performed, such as Fenghua Dragon Dance and Shuaya, meaning "teeth play", a highly unusual performance that is part of pingdiao (or flat tone), a local folk opera from Ninghai county in Ningbo.

An artist from Ningbo performs Shuaya, or "teeth play", at Ningbo Day. [Photo/zj.zjol.com] 

In addition, some local specialties and artworks were displayed and a project promotion activity between Ningbo and Taiwan was held.

Works of gold-traced lacquerware, an intangible cultural heritage art form of Ningbo, go on display during the event. [Photo/zj.zjol.com] 

The opening ceremony for Ningbo Day showed the important role that Ningbo has played in the ancient Maritime Silk Road and the Belt and Road Initiative, and displayed an open, beautiful and civilized image of the city, according to an official from Ningbo.

Ye Zhengbo, vice chairman of the Ningbo Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, extended an invitation to students, visitors and investors to Ningbo at the ceremony.

The International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 opened in Beijing on April 29 and lasts until Oct 7. Organizers said it has attracted the participation this year of around 110 countries and international organizations.