Participants gather at the Haicang Sports Center for the opening of the 20th Xiamen Games on Sept 1. [Photo/IC]

The 20th Xiamen Games, an annual gathering of sports enthusiasts from all across the eastern Chinese coastal city, kicked off at the Haicang Sports Center on Sept 1. 

The opening ceremony saw representatives from the city's six districts – Tongan, Xiang'an, Siming, Huli, Jimei and Haicang – energizing local spectators with various eye-catching shows. 

Students from Tongan district put on a percussion show inviting spectators to enjoy the rhythm of the drumbeats and feel their unyeilding spirit. Xiang'an teenagers warmed up the stadium with an energetic cheering dance, while Siming pupils made their gymnastics trampoline show "an impressive ballet in the air". A traditional dance mix engaging the old, the middle-aged and the young from Jimei district brought spectators a show full of regional cultural elements. The exotic Latin group dance of Huli performers expressed their passion and boldness. 

The sports event is expected to conclude at the end of September. Attracting Xiamen locals of all ages, the games will see 915 gold medals going to sports enthusiasts in 54 categories. Group and individual participants were a record high at this year's edition.

Students from Tongan district put on a percussion show inviting spectators to enjoy the rhythm of the drumbeats and feel their unyielding spirit. [Photo/IC]