Chinese stories told on Silk Road cruise liner

An art troupe from Shaoxing in East China's Zhejiang Province staged a special performance in a theater on a gigantic cruise liner heading to China on June 13. [Photo/Xinhua]

An art troupe from Shaoxing in East China's Zhejiang Province staged a special performance in a theater on a gigantic cruise liner heading to China on June 13.

The Majestic Princess, a 19-storey vessel making its maiden voyage from Rome, Italy to Xiamen, China, was on its leg from Colombo to Penang. It is scheduled to arrive in Xiamen on June 26 to complete its journey along the Silk Road Sea Route.

The performance, which showcased Chinese culture and history of the ancient maritime Silk Road, was popular among thousands of tourists on board the cruise ship.

Performers from Shaoxing interacted with passengers from different countries in various forms, including song and dance performances and flash mobs, between June 12 and 16.

It was the third in the Silk Road Stories cultural program co-organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Carnival Corporation to introduce Chinese culture, art and cuisine to Western passengers.

Penny Gleason, a passenger from California, said she liked the "fantastic shows" very much and she could understand their meanings.

China is developing very fast and has become one of the most important countries in the world, she added.

"The Chinese troupe has given special meaning to the voyage," said the ship's captain Craig Street.