Performers dance during an evening gala, which was held at the indoor stadium of Qidong Middle School to mark China’s 40 years of reform and opening up, as well as the 90th anniversary of Qidong’s establishment as a county. [Photo/WeChat account of qidong_BTV]

A special gala marking China’s 40 years of reform and opening up, as well as the 90th anniversary of Qidong’s establishment as a county took place at the indoor stadium of Qidong Middle School, on the evening of Dec 24. 

The gala was attended by many top officials from the government of Qidong, a county-level city in Nantong, Jiangsu province.

More than 2,500 local residents turned out to watch the performance. 

The gala, divided into five parts, tells the story of how Qidong grew from an impoverished town into a prosperous county.

The evening gala takes place at Qidong Middle School, Dec 24. [Photo/WeChat account of qidong_BTV]

A traditional Chinese dance is staged at the gala which took place at Qidong Middle School, on Dec 24. [Photo/WeChat account of qidong_BTV]

A dance depicting farmers gathering the harvest is performed. [Photo/WeChat account of qidong_BTV]