China-Africa exchanges: Drumbeat links China and Africa

In late 2015, a Chinese pop song played on djembe went viral online. After that, African drums gained more popularity in the country.

"African masters know that China has the largest population of people playing the drums. More and more drum masters from Africa have come to China to teach courses," said Liu. "I am also planning to travel to western Africa and learn from masters there next January."

African drums are not only played around Houhai Lake, they are also getting more popular in Chinese classrooms. Some schools in Beijing have already set up African drum clubs of their own.

At the No.1 High School attached to Capital Normal University, a group of students practiced for their upcoming performance during their summer holiday.

Cao Yinzhe is a high school student and also an experienced drummer. He has been playing in the band for two years, and he said he really enjoys the team spirit as drumming requires lots of collaboration.

"I felt embarrassed when I could not get the rhythms right. But now I have become more confident and made many friends here," said Chen Xiaoxu, another student in the band.

The djembe band was established three years ago by Song Ying, a music teacher at the school.

In Song Ying's view, playing djembes fits the students well. "Teenagers are quite sensitive to rhythms. And it is also very meaningful for them to grasp some history and African culture behind the instrument," said Song.

One thing is for sure, the drumbeat has helped young Chinese get to know Africa despite differences in language and culture.