Music traditions stoke artistic passion in China's ice city

Harbin has been a nursery for artists and artistic marvels thanks to its rich musical heritage and culture. Renowned Chinese theatre performers, composers and singers have promoted the city's incredible art to the entire country and the world.

As the longest-running musical event in China, the China-Harbin Summer Concert has been held for 35 years. Masterpieces such as "On the Island of the Sun" and "I Love the Snow in the North" were sung from here for the rest of the world.

"Harbin has a musical heritage that blends the East and the West. We want to revitalize this tradition and take it to a higher level," said Sha Xiaodong, deputy director of Harbin Cultural Broadcasting and Tourism Bureau.

In recent years, Harbin has fostered the integration of fine art and public culture, providing residents with more opportunities to pursue their musical aspirations.

In March 2016, the brand-new Harbin Grand Theatre opened to the public. The grand venue, resembling a silver ribbon in the sky with soothing aesthetics, put on nearly 200 performances in a single year.

In the same year, the Harbin Conservatory of Music was established on the north bank of the Songhua River.

"We have introduced high-quality teaching equipment, built a first-class concert hall, and organized numerous free concerts for the public," said Li Lei, a professor at the conservatory.

It is not unusual to encounter individuals playing violins, beating African drums, or dancing to the music at bus stops and public squares in Harbin.

"The general public enjoys music and has a good taste in music. They are both music performers and listeners," Sha said.