LOS ANGELES -- Southern California Chinese communities staged grand art performances on Sunday night to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Chinese art groups in various cities of Southern California, including chorus, dance and Peking opera troupes, put on more than 500 performances.

They entertained a full house of more than 3,000 audience members with songs, dances, folk music, Peking opera, martial arts, Tai Chi and others.

Addressing the gala, Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles Zhang Ping said all the Chinese people, home and overseas, are proud of China's achievements over the past 70 years, and are full of confidence in the bright future of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

"Although there are still difficulties and obstacles in the path ahead, we firmly believe that China's development cannot be stopped nor contained by any forces," he said.

Hailing the contributions of overseas Chinese to the country's development, Zhang said to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the common aspiration of overseas Chinese.

"The performances of Southern California Chinese communities have reflected their profound affection as well as best wishes for the motherland," he added.

Zhou Yanyu, chief director of the performances, told Xinhua the show embodied various traditional Chinese elements, such as waist drum, red silk, Tai Chi and Kungfu, to reveal the profoundness of Chinese culture.

The performances combined Chinese and western art, and served as a bridge for Chinese and American cultural exchanges and friendship, said Zhou, president of the Chinese American Association of Orange County.

"We hope to show the spirit, patriotism and optimism of overseas Chinese in Southern California through the performances, and we will continue to make our own contribution to cementing China-U.S. friendship, and bringing Chinese culture to the world," she said.

Zhang Sujiu, chief organizer of the show and the youngest daughter of Zhang Zhizhong (1890-1969), a famous anti-Japanese general, said it took all the performers several months to prepare the show.

"The hard-won achievement of our country need to be cherished and maintained. All the overseas Chinese are looking forward to working together with our compatriots from all over the world to embrace the bright future of our motherland," she said.

Xie Luxi, acting director of the gala, told Xinhua one of the highlights of the show was the prelude which features peace-loving dove dance in front of a huge Chinese flag, kicking off the grand show.

More than 100 performers were involved in this prelude, showcasing the profound Chinese culture and spirit of overseas Chinese, Xie said, adding that the show was unprecedented in scale in Los Angeles region.

Liu Wei, a renowned Chinese host who traveled from Beijing to host Sunday's performances, told Xinhua she was very impressed and inspired by the enthusiasm and strong patriotism of overseas Chinese as they volunteered to organize such grand celebration for the motherland.

"I hope to join their passion and offer my support," she said.

Many Chinese American choruses joined the show. Zhang Kequn, president of Xiyanghong Art Group which consists of dozens of the elderly, told Xinhua the gala has offered precious opportunity for her chorus to express blessings for the motherland.

Sunday's gala kicked off a series of celebrations in Los Angeles for the 70th anniversary of PRC founding.