The third Qiantang River International Culture Festival opens in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on July 3. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

The third Qiantang River International Culture Festival began in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on July 3 with a stage performance of modern Chinese drama Spring Tide at the Hangzhou Grand Theatre.

Lasting until November, the annual festival features 20 major cultural events including drama shows, music performances, painting exhibitions, as well as presentations focusing on sports, film and television, and traditional crafts.

In an attempt to promote Hangzhou culture and Zhejiang province as a whole, a series of events will also be held in Beijing in late July, highlighting Chinese paintings, calligraphy, seal engraving art and a grand symphony.

In addition to modern drama, the festival's organizing committee plans to release a series of audio books, cultural derivative products, a theme song and cultural landmark facilities for the event in a bid to promote the city at home and abroad.

The festival is organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Hangzhou Municipal Committee and Jianggan district.

Modern Chinese drama Spring Tide debuts at the opening ceremony of the third Hangzhou Qiantang River International Culture Festival in Hangzhou, in Zhejiang province, on July 3. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]