Xiamen Island in the city of Xiamen, Fujian Province, was once again immersed in a night of flowers, songs and dances last weekend.

The flower parade added even more charm to the city, aside from the annual International Marathon.

This is the third time for the flower float in the city, but only the first time that the parade was held alongside the marathon. It's also the city's first float parade at night.

A total of 30 colourful flower floats were organized by a number of cities in Fujian, Yangzhou in East China's Jiangsu Province, Zhangjiajie in Central China's Hunan Province and Taichung, Jinmen and Penghu in Taiwan Province.

Meanwhile, following the floats, 18 walking performance teams performed folk songs and dances to thousands of visitors along the four-kilometre course.

The flower parade not only shows the abundant tourism resources and comfortable living environment in Xiamen, but also draws a beautiful picture across the Straits, which has become another symbol of the city, said local officials.

A chorus from Jebel Ali in Chiayi of Taiwan with ethnic folk songs and dances stole the show, which was the only Taiwanese performance team at the parade.

"This kind of chance to show our talent in the mainland is still rare for us at present," said Hsu Hsien-che, chairman of Chiayi Tourist Association.

"I hope ethnic minorities on both sides of the Straits can have more communication on their different cultures and customs in the near future," said Hsu.