The St. Patrick's Day parade and Irish Music Festival kicked off in Wellington, New Zealand, on Saturday, attracting 300 participants with a lively cross-cultural art performance.

A traditional Chinese lion dance and drum music, arranged by the China Cultural Center in Wellington, won rounds of applause from the audience. A folk dance inspired by Miao people from Southwest China showcased the charming Chinese ethnic culture.

Margaret Grealish, vice-president of the Wellington Irish Society, spoke highly of the lion dance, which offered her a new appreciation about Chinese folk culture. Rachel Kahn, a tap dance student, said the Miao ethnic dance left her with a deep impression. She'd like to learn more about traditional Miao costumes.