Turkish dance group Fire of Anatolia begins China tour

The world-famous Turkish dance group Fire of Anatolia started its eighth China tour on Dec. 18 with a well-received performance at Shanghai's Oriental Art Center.

The two-hour show - featuring a synthesis of Turkish folk dance with ballet, modern dance and other dance disciplines - earned a period of sustained applause from the Chinese audience.

The troupe is scheduled to perform five more performances in Shanghai before the show moves to Beijing's Mei Lan Fang Grand Theater on Dec. 25 for six nights, with its last performance scheduled for Dec. 30.

As one of the largest dance groups in the world, Fire of Anatolia boasts some 400 people, including dancers from Cuba, the United Kingdom, Russia and Georgia. The group has performed in 89 countries and 350 cities since it was established 15 years ago.

In Photos: US defense chief visits ?ncirlik base as part of tour to boost regional support against ISIL

In photos: Turkey commemorates Rumi with 'Night of Union' ceremony in Konya

In Photos: Ta?yaran Valley in Aegean region to become nature park

Halfeti - A town of mesmerizing beauty

Exhibition shows Istanbul through eyes of children

Secret weapons of Turkish army: locally produced rocket launchers, missile systems

The bugs of Ankara: The weirdest scenes that anyone can run into in Turkish capital

A bird's eye view tour of Turkey's eastern provinces of Van and Hakkari

Turkish man with four wives has his 32nd child

Turkish police raid Koza ?pek's media HQ in Istanbul amid protests

Turkey celebrates Republic Day against backdrop of political turbulence

Local authorities in Ad?yaman stir outcry for sitting under tent as schoolkids get wet

US destroyer completes exercise with...