Performers and government officials pose for a group photo after the Spring Festival gala in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Feb 2. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

East China's Zhejiang province staged a grand gala in celebration of the Spring Festival at a cultural hall in Fuyang district of Hangzhou on Feb 2.

Hosted by the province's publicity department, the gala epitomized Zhejiang's rural culture which has rapidly developed through the emerging cultural halls built around the province in recent years.

All the performances were presented by villagers and reflected the changes in all respects of rural Zhejiang, such as the improvement of natural environment, the advancement of administrative reform and the digitalization of life in villages. The peoples' stories were combined with time-honored art forms, garnering applause from the audience.

Over 800 people from across Zhejiang, along with government officials watched the gala. Many villagers said the gala was their own party for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Che Jun, Party chief of Zhejiang, highly praised the performances, saying that the gala presented the achievements made by the province in rejuvenating rural culture.

During the gala, a New Year fair was organized on the sidelines where people enjoyed the festive atmosphere outside the hall. Demonstrations of folk handicrafts occurred and the most distinctive snacks were displayed.

Cultural halls are a type of public welfare cultural facility in Zhejiang, providing platforms for villagers to practice cultural performances and promote rural civilization.

The grand gala has been held for five consecutive years at cultural halls in the province, becoming a yearly tradition for Zhejiang villagers to celebrate Spring Festival.

Che Jun, Party secretary of Zhejiang province, talks to vendors at the New Year fair in Hangzhou on Feb 2. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]