To connect the various cultures thriving along the Yangtze since ancient times, Zhangjiagang, a city at the waterway's mouth, in Jiangsu province, began in 2004 a cultural festival to celebrate the vigor and diversity of the extensive regions by the river.

This year's festival opened on Sept 21 with a gala of traditional arts and shows reflecting social changes in the regions. A series of events including exhibitions, fairs, film screening and forums will introduce people to the similarities and differences of the regions. And this year has for the first time designated Qinghai province, which the Yangtze originated from, as the guest province.