The ninth Shanghai International Music Fireworks Festival kicked off at Century Park in eastern Shanghai's Pudong District on Tuesday evening.

A fireworks show by Russian artists lights up Century Park in Shanghai's Pudong New Area on Tuesday, September 30, 2008, as part of the city's ninth International Music and Fireworks Festival. [Shanghai Daily]

Artists from China and Russia presented their fireworks shows on the opening night, leaving a deep impact on the audience.

The "graceful Oriental dance and Chinese music and fireworks show" staged by two Chinese corporations blended rhythm, color, and composition of fireworks with Asian dancing and music.

Local residents who missed the performance on Tuesday still have a chance to enjoy the fireworks on October 3 and 6, when Japanese and German fireworks companies will play the leading roles.

Shanghai International Music Fireworks Festival is organized around National Day and has been held every year at the Century Park since 2000 to showcase new sound, light and electrical technology.

Previous festivals have showcased masters from Switzerland, Britain, Japan and Argentina.

The pyrotechnic exhibitions are part of the ongoing Shanghai Tourism Festival.

(CRI October 1, 2008)