Chinese artists wowed New Delhi theater goers on Nov.4 with their presentation of the classic Peking Opera, White Snake Legend. The show in the Indian capital is part of the Asian Performing Arts Festival, an event held to boost exchanges between artists of Asian countries.

Top artists from Asian cities, including Seoul, Tokyo and Hanoi, offered a wide range of performing arts at venues across New Delhi. Classic or modern, the performances were all fresh to Indian audiences.

A Peking Opera troupe from Beijing were flying the flag for China on an Indian stage. The White Snake Legend stirred up the packed theater. As Hindus worship the snake as a spirit, the local audience found the story about love between a man and a snake lady particularly attractive.

The Asian Performing Arts Festival, now in its second year, is expected to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange at a grass roots level.

(CCTV.com November 6, 2003)