Turkmen artists perform traditional dances at a gala in Beijing, June 23, 2018. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

An exotic and bright feast of Turkmen music and dance filled the February 7th Theater in downtown Beijing on Saturday night, opening a two-day event of Turkmen Culture Day in the Chinese capital.

The 90-minute gala infused both traditional and contemporary Turkmen performing arts, taking audience members on a tour of cultures of the Central Asian country. Foodies were also treated to Turkmen flat bread on-site.

Yu Qun, member of the leadership of China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said at the event's opening that the Turkmen Culture Day will enable Chinese audiences to experience the unique charm of Turkmen culture and arts. He added that the cultural ministries of two countries will cooperate closely under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to further enhance cultural exchanges and cooperation.

Nursahet Shirimov, deputy culture minister of Turkmenistan, said he hopes the event will help further promote exchanges between Turkmen and Chinese cultural groups and artists, and make new contributions in promoting the innovative development of the two countries' literature and arts.

In addition to cultural performances, the Turkmen Culture Day also featured an exhibition of Turkmen art and relics at the Capital Library, as well as a Silk Road-themed round-table talk on Sunday.