A folk art troupe from eastern Zhejiang Province will perform in Auckland, New Zealand in mid February at a lantern festival to mark the Chinese new year, says a source with the provincial association for friendship with foreign countries.
Zhejiang sent troupes to similar celebrations in 2000 and 2001,with both winning high acclaim from local audiences.
This time, the 33-member group is set to treat New Zealand viewers to traditional art with a special Zhejiang flavor -- local folk dances and leather puppet shows.
Apart from performances, promotional activities highlighting Zhejiang scenery and cuisine will also be held there to attract more tourists.
Moreover, officials with the provincial association for friendship with foreign countries said that Zhejiang was taking this chance to promote itself more in New Zealand with a view to further cooperation in the future.
(Xinhua News Agency February 11, 2003)