A square dancing competition kicked off in Haidian Park in Beijing's Haidian district on Monday, attracting more than 300 dance lovers of different ages to strut their stuff at the event.

Performances reflecting people's positive attitudes towards life, their determination to embrace a better future as well as their love for the country have been staged by contestants.

Chen Jing, director of the culture and tourism bureau of Haidian district, says that the district has launched a project that aims to cultivate around 100 square dancing teams and carry out popular square dancing performances in the following three years.

"We will strongly support the development of local dance troupes and ensure our residents enjoy a colorful cultural life," she added.