Seated long in silence, crippled by its burdensome economic structure, China's northeastern province of Jilin intends to cash in on the 6th Asia Art Festival to "break out." 

The festival has a unique image in Chinese audience minds: from its Athens Olympic style opening ceremony to the merry-making cultural square carnival. At the same time, Changchun audience has impressed the guest troupes with their passion.

"I never expect my dance can arouse such enthusiasm among the Chinese audience, and the experience in Changchun is really a big surprise," said Pakistani singer Arif Lohar, when his rehearsal in the lobby invited "ambush" by crowds of audiences.

The festival, from the very beginning, has proved to be a communication experience, with the local residences organizing 'farm dance' group on their own. Watching Chinese folk artists dance on 2-meter stilt, the foreign artists marveled at it and started aping after.

"I know it is impossible to teach my foreign friends the dance now, so I wish I could dance in their square," said Wang Jin, Chinese folk dancer, at the outdoor performance jointly with foreign artistic troupes.

"It's a hard earned chance for Changchun. We really should introduce them our own unique folk arts," said Li gang, taxi driver, in an interview with Xinhua.

Zhou Weijie, head of Cultural Bureau of Jilin Province, said, "China is witnessing a fast growth in the cultural sector. The audiences are so anxious for more cultural entertainment. Many performers showing up in the open ceremony are grouped by amateur local people."

"The stage should not be restricted in auditorium, I appreciate more art activities around street corner and in public cultural square," said Zhou.

Over 100,000 people joined the arts carnival, but order-maintaining turned out an unnecessary job. "Changchun people know well how to control their passion, there are no needs to stay in high alert," said a police in Changchun.

Changchun people's hospitality has impressed embassy officials from eight Asian countries. "I am really struck by their spirit and attitudes to life. Their aspiration for cultural entertainment proves a bettering living standard," said Ashfaqur Rahman, Bangladesh ambassador.

During the visit to the Changchun-based First Automobile Works, Chinese auto giant, many ambassadors were surprised by Chinese industrial capabilities, "Northeast China is not at all like what people said as "inanimate", but I see a lot of vibe and vitality in this city," said Tran Van Luat, Vietnam ambassador.

"Same to the aim of economy, what arts finally serve is people. An opening-up mind and vigorous spirit allow more economic miracles and renovation," said Xing Dehui, artistic director of the festival.

Hong Hu, governor of Jilin Province, said to press in confidence, "The cultural event will show the outside world spirit and ambition of the Jilin People, and will also strengthen ties among Asian countries. Jilin Province is mustering up courage and passion for resurrection."

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2004)