SYDNEY, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The inaugural Chung Wah Festival kicked off on Sunday by the banks of the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia (WA) -- showcasing more than 150 years of Chinese culture and tradition in Australia.

Featuring dragon boating, lion dancing, an outdoor Chinese film festival, food stalls, performances and other cultural wonders, the festival will run until May 18 when it will close with a lotus flower ceremony and a firework display.

The festival is occupying the Burswood Park in central Perth, giving everyone the opportunity to drop by and take part in.

"It's bringing this cultural event to the city and it's a great location to have such an event," organizer Aleisha Banner told Xinhua.

Throughout the week, the Golden Koala Film Festival will screen a range of the best contemporary Chinese films at the festival's outdoor cinema, with all proceeds going to charity.

It's not all fun and games however, the Chung Wah Festival also includes forums on business and architecture to help develop close industry links between WA and China.

The festival is hosted by the Chung Wah Association of WA, an organisation formed in 1909 to represent the early Chinese settlers to the region.

"The Perth Chung Wah Cultural Festival celebrates the Western Australian Chinese community's cultural and sporting heritage and showcases Perth as an exciting and vibrant city," WA tourism minister Paul Papalia said.

WA's state government has invested heavily in the event to ensure its success this year and for many years to come.