The tourists' heaven of Suzhou in eastern China turned into a heaven for star-chasers Wednesday night, as big names from the country's entertainment circle gathered there to raise the curtain for China's top film gala.

The 16th Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival opened with film stars singing and dancing on the stage.

Suzhou-born Hong Kong actress Carina Lau kicked off the night with a show-off of her dancing skills.

Lau was followed by mainland actresses Huang Shengyi, Huang Yi, and actor Huang Xiaoming.

Action movie superstar, Jackie Chan, also took to the stage to share his memory of the film festival.

Singing sensations, including Jolin Tsai and Tsai Chin from Taiwan, and Joey Yung from Hong Kong, also contributed to the festival.

In the following days, a slew of domestic and foreign films will be screened in different sessions.

A special screening section is planned for Chinese winners of the Venice International Film Festival. Marco Muller, director of the Venice film festival, will appear on the scene to greet audiences.

The festival will be wrapped up on Saturday with another star-studded night honoring winners of the Golden Rooster Awards, known as China's Oscars.