A string of colorful artistic performances is being staged in northeast China's city of Shenyang to celebrate its successful bid to hold the 2006 International Garden and Horticulture Exhibition.

People are celebrating with singing and dancing, drumming and the rhythmic waving of beautiful fans.

Children from Shenyang Arts School put on a wonderful show: a carnival of animals, with elephants, giraffes and lions.

The crowds were enchanted by 1,800 peace doves flying high into the sky.

(CRI September 4, 2004)