Chinese leaders watched a New Year gala featuring traditional operas on Monday evening, together with people from all walks of life in Beijing.

Party and State leaders, including Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, watched performances of Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera and other traditional Chinese art forms at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

Before the show started, Xi and other leaders shook hands with seasoned artists in the audience, and extended festive greetings to them.

The gala featured instrumental displays, a series of traditional opera excerpts and renditions of iconic scenes that showcased heroic themes of patriotism.

?