The 2012 Laoshan Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival opened on Sunday Feb 5 and presented rich traditional Chinese culture and folk arts in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province.

More than 20 national and provincial level intangible cultural heritage items are currently being displayed at this five-day festival that lasts until February 9.

The charming local culture in the Laoshan Mountian region, famous as the "No. 1 coastal mountain" in China, was characterized by mantis boxing and Laoshan Taoism wushu at the opening ceremony.

Special attention was given to the well-known traditional ceremony of giving sacrifice to the sea, which was held to pray for peace and harmony.

Intangible cultural heritage items from other areas in China won tremendous applause from the audience. This includes Beijing's Tianqiao Zhongfan (flag balancing performance), Hebei's Wuqiao Acrobatics, Shaanbei's Ansai Waist Drum and Haiyang Yangko. Also, three artistic performances from the Mongolian ethnic group in China—Khoomei, matouqin (or horse-head guitar) and long tune were well received.

By Xie Chuanjiao and Hu Qing (chinadaily.com.cn)

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Rakhee M