An art troupe from Hangzhou, Zhejiang poses for a group photo in Shanghai before flying to Chile on Jan 9. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

An art troupe from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province are embarking on a performance tour from Jan 9 to 25 in Chile to further promote cultural exchanges with Latin America, with the Chinese Lunar New Year fast approaching.

As Zhejiang's first troupe dispatched abroad for the 2019 Happy Chinese New Year celebrations, which is an annual event initiated by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the team of 28 performers from the orchestra, acrobatic company and art school in Hangzhou will play eight shows to Chilean audiences.

Among the shows, a special party will be organized with a variety of artistic performances such as Chinese music, dance, magic, and acrobatics.

"It is the ninth consecutive year that Chinese troupes have participated in the Chinese New Year celebrations in Chile. Audiences in the country have acquired some knowledge of China's performing arts and have high expectations for our show," said Liu Haiyan, director of the party, adding that they've made much effort to improve the show, especially to add more Chinese hues to performances.

"In addition to traditional Chinese arts, we will also present Chilean music to better share the joy and harmony of Chinese New Year with local people," said Lin Shangzhuan, deputy head of the troupe.

Performers rehearse a dance for the shows in Chile. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]