The opening ceremony of SCO Member States Arts Festival was held on July 7 in Qingdao, Shandong province.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The crescendo came with Onward to New Peaks and Shores, a powerful ensemble featuring Chinese singers and international students from SCO nations studying in Qingdao. The anthem's message — "Crossing mountains and seas, hearts and hands united" — resonated as a pledge for deeper friendship among the young people of SCO nations.

The finale saw artists from all member states return to the stage for a rousing rendition of Libiamo from La Traviata, a universal ode to joy and solidarity. The collective performance underscored the festival's spirit of cross-border harmony.

More than a display of artistic mastery, the opening ceremony served as a bridge between cultures, strengthening the SCO's cultural and people-to-people bonds. The festival will continue in Qingdao through August, with performances and exchanges by troupes from China, Belarus, Russia and other nations.