The International Youth Gala was held in Jinan, capital of Shandong province on July 6. More than 700 guests and youth representatives from 85 countries and regions participated in the gala.

The International Youth Gala is held in Jinan, Shandong province on July 6. [Photo/Iqilu News]

Apart from dance and song performances, the event also featured various forms of performing arts such as traditional Chinese opera, instrumental music, ballet, and acrobatics. Young people from different countries also showcased their own country's songs, dances, and traditional culture on the stage.

"The interaction and exchange between Chinese culture and cultures from around the world have allowed us to experience diverse world civilizations. It has created a vibrant platform for a cross-cultural dialogue and interaction," said a youth representative from Russia.

Youth representatives from around the world stage performances at the gala. [Photo/Iqilu News]

The gala served as a curtain-raiser to the 2023 Global Youth Conference. Running until July 9, the event aims to shine a spotlight on the mission and responsibilities of young people in the new era and share China's stories with the world.

Themed "New Era, New Civilization, New Youth and New Mission", the conference will encourage young people to share their wisdom and solutions to humanity's problems, promote common values and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The gala is a curtain-raiser to the 2023 Global Youth Conference. [Photo/Iqilu News]

Performers pose for a group photo at the gala. [Photo/Iqilu News]