Crowds gather to witness the opening ceremony for an exhibition on ancient Chinese oracle bone inscriptions. It took place in Taiyang valley in Lushunkou in Dalian recently. [Photo by Sun Wenjun for chinadaily.com.cn]

An opening ceremony for an exhibition on ancient Chinese oracle bone inscriptions attracted a great deal of interest when it was held at Taiyang valley in Lushunkou, Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province on Sept 21.

Oracle bones were pieces of ox shoulder bone or blade and turtle shells that were used in ancient China for pyromancy – a form of trying to devine the future.

The organizers said the event drew over 300 calligraphy and painting enthusiasts, teachers and students of art colleges and universities -- as well as people from all walks of life in Dalian -- to participate.

In order to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the discovery of the ancient Chinese oracle bone inscriptions, later generations researchers into the find organized the exhibition.

As one of a series of activities, the exhibition will last until Oct 4, featuring over 300 ancient Chinese oracle bone paintings and calligraphy.

At the opening ceremony, 100 children and adolescents wrote ancient inscriptions under the guidance of teachers.

Leading calligraphers and painters created works at the scene and interacted with visitors.