The Xinjiang Song and Dance Company has arrived in Eskilstuna in central Sweden to bring China's rich cultural and ethnic heritage to a Nordic audience. The performance troupe, which hails from Xinjiang Autonomous Region, is world-renowned, having performed in more than 70 countries and regions. It is their first visit to Sweden.

Tonight, they performed at the newly-renovated Eskilstuna Theatre, wowing the audience with samples of traditional and ethnic songs and dances. Most notably, they received raves for their performance of the "meshrep," a traditional Uighur dance.

The Xinjiang Song and Dance Company was founded in 1949. Their members represent 13 different ethnic minorities, bringing a unique authenticity to each performance. They have received numerous awards for their vibrant music and colorful dances. Quite rightly, they have earned a reputation as ambassadors of Xinjiang ethnic culture, for promoting folk arts from the region around the world.

After their very successful Eskilstuna performance, the group is heading to the Swedish capital of Stockholm then to Norway and Germany to spread the music and dance of this western Chinese region to Europe.