Xinjiang cultural shows enchant Egypt

Artists from China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region dance in Alexandria, Egypt on July 10.[Photo/Xinhua]

Ahmed Mostafa, a sound engineer, photographer and tango dancer, who attended the event, says the performances were inspiring for the Egyptian dancers, musicians and artists who were there.

"I felt the music was similar to ours. The singing was also close to ours and they played an Egyptian song beautifully. The acrobatic shows were stunning too," he adds.

Many in the audience said that they felt that the performances, the musical instruments exhibition and the photo gallery took them to China and made them curious to learn more about the country.

Morad Abbas, head of the Arabic department of the Faculty of Arts at Alexandria University, says: "The shows reflected the variety of Chinese culture. In addition, they even performed some Egyptian songs, which enriched the festival and made us feel that human civilization is one."

Xinjiang, which is home to 23 million people, is China's largest autonomous region, occupying about one sixth of the total area of China and comprises 47 ethnic groups.

One of the most popular performances was the "flowery belt" Uygur dance that portrays young men trying to express their feelings to pretty girls.

Speaking about the crowd reaction, Omanguri Stick, who has been doing this performance for 25 years, says: "When I appeared on stage after four male dancers, I was stunned by the cheers. "It's a pleasant surprise and I am happy they loved our performance."