A Chinese cultural festival has opened in the capital, Tehran. The one-week event, entitled "2016 Experience China in Iran", turns the spotlight onto the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, through a photo exhibition and other cultural activities.

Performances showing the region's customs and culture were on show at the Niavaran Cultural Center. Twenty performers from the Xinjiang Art Theater, dressed in traditional costumes played instruments, sang and danced. The performances included an instrumental ensemble, an acrobatics show and a flute solo.

In addition to the stage shows, there were also exhibitions of photographs, traditional costumes and instruments. The event aims to help Iranian people learn more about Xinjiang and get a sense of China's diverse culture.