China's largest fashion gala, the 17th Dalian International Fashion Festival, opened this morning in northeast China's Liaoning Province.

First held in 1988, the event has won a reputation as the first step for international fashion designers to enter the Chinese market. Organizers say this year's festival will showcase works by some of the world's most famous designers.

The opening ceremony for this year's festival was followed by a huge parade at the city's Xinghai Square.

Thirty-five magnificent floats decorated with cartoon characters, and over 50 performance teams presented a romantic, open and modern Dalian. Thousands of visitors from home and abroad danced along, getting ready for the next nine days of events that should definitely be a feast for the eyes.

(CCTV.com September 11, 2005)