The opening gala of the sixth ethnic minority art festival was held on Tuesday night at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.The festival, which runs until Sept 24, showcases the distinctive cultures of China's different ethnic groups, with performances of folk music and dances, 42 of which will also be shown on China Central Television and streamed online.

According to the festival's organizer, the performances will enable audiences to better understand people from the country's many ethnic groups, and especially their history and culture.