The inaugural Hengdian chorus festival opened in the city of Dongyang in East China's Zhejiang province on Sept 25.

Co-organized by the China Chorus Association and the local government of Dongyang, the festival will bring a diversity of programs, such as performances, chorus competitions, master classes and workshops.

Over 10 choirs from around the country performed during the opening ceremony. Conductor Wu Lingfen and tenor Dai Yuqiang both serve as the president of the chorus competition's jury panel.

Marking the 110th anniversary of Chinese choral singing, which started in 1913 with a choral song, titled Chun You, written by Li Shutong, the festival will also have a forum to share the history and development of the genre.

Hengdian is known as the country's largest film and television shooting base and the festival will become an attraction for tourists and will feature film elements.