Artists from Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theatre perform during the opening ceremony of the Wuzhen Theatre Festival in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province, May 9, 2013. The festival which will last till May 19 kicked off on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua]

An international theater festival has opened in the town of Wuzhen in East China's Zhejiang province.

At the first-ever large cultural event taking place in this small town, organizers explain why they wanted it to happen in Wuzhen and what they expect from the festival.

Many people in China usually consider tourism and culture two separate and unrelated issues.

However, Wuzhen's administrative authorities have demonstrated their efforts to enrich tours of the ancient town by offering visitors cultural interpretations and content.

Chen Jie, a member of the international theater festival's organizing committee, believes the festival is their first endeavor to convince visitors that their trip to Wuzhen means more than just sightseeing.

"Wuzhen town's drama festival marks a turning point in the operation strategy of the entire town's scenic area. We hope to build the town into a drama town like Edinburgh. Through our constant efforts over the upcoming five to 10 years, we plan for Wuzhen to impress visitors by providing a splendid cultural feast although the town remains small."

Chen Jie, who works for a company that explores and displays the town's local culture, says she's not alone in supporting the enrichment of tourism activities.

Behind her are the entire organizing committee and the three initiators of the festival.

Singer Li Yuchun answers reporters' questions about her role in the drama "A Dream Like a Dream" by Taiwan-based stage-play director Lai Shengchuan on Thursday, May 9, 2013. The drama will be performed at the Wuzhen International Theater Festival in the town of Wuzhen in East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

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