More than 100 seniors from overseas took part in the 2005 Shanghai International Elderly Cultural Festival, which opened at the Century Park in Shanghai's Pudong yesterday.

Local seniors welcomed their counterparts from the Netherlands, Russia, Japan and South Korea with traditional shows, such as a lion dance.

The three-day festival will include visits to local universities for the elderly and activity centers for senior residents, as well as discussions of calligraphy, traditional Chinese drama, and folk dancing.

"It's all for peace and friendship," said Ding Huirong, a spokesman for the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau, the festival organizer.

The festival is the third of its kind to be held in Shanghai in an effort to enhance communication among seniors from different cultures.

"It's amazing to come here and share friendship and culture with people from the other side of the world," said Rein Groen, the leader of the five-member Netherlands delegation.

Nelleke, 68, had never been to China before. She said she was greatly impressed by the city on her arrival. "Shanghai looks really nice," she said. "I'm looking forward to a trip around."

(Shanghai Daily October 27, 2005)