Geneva summer festival opens with China as co-host
Posted at Aug 05, 05 in Shaolin Temple News

Geneva's annual summer festival opened Thursday with China co-hosting the 11-day event as this year's Guest of Honor to celebrate the 55-year-old Sino-Swiss diplomatic ties and the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

China is the eighth foreign country to co-host the Geneva festival, initiated by the Geneva local government and tourism authorities 58 years ago to celebrate the Swiss national culture and customs.

During the Aug. 4-14 festival, a 200-member Chinese delegation will present photo galleries about China's world heritages and scenic sites, kung-fu displays by monks from the Shaolin Temple, singing and dance performances and traditional folk arts such as a shadow show.

Highlights of other events include a lake parade with fantastic floats, live concerts featuring international stars, opera performances, a dance parade, a children's day, rock, classical and country music performances, street performers and food from all over the world.

About 2.1 million people attended the Geneva festival in 2004, and the Geneva Tourism estimated that the attendants this year will reach nearly 3 million.