A ceramic artist shows her technique of painting on clay ware at Baosteel Grand Stage. [en.expo2010.cn]

Jiangxi folk art week kicked off Saturday morning with songs, dances and a donation by Shanghai people to flooded areas in the east China province.

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Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng, on behalf of the city people, presented the 5-million-yuan (US$732,064) donation to Jiangxi Provincial leaders. Jiangxi Provincial Party Secretary and top provincial legislator Su Rong also attended the opening ceremony.

Fifty servicemen were invited to the ceremony and toured the Expo site; all of them had participated in the battle against the flood ravaging the province last month.

A song was sang by an armed police officer and 50 Expo volunteers to praise those officers and civilians who stood up against the flood. Jiangxi traditional style songs and dances were also performed during the ceremony.

From yesterday to Wednesday, the province will offer performances at places such as Baosteel Grand Stage, Celebration Square and Baocheng Road. Visitors can then enjoy the Jiangxi style songs, dances and operas and have the opportunity to attend the free ceramic, brush-making and carving classes at Baosteel Grand Stage.