Accordion culture in Tacheng sparks intl praises

An ancient Chinese quote from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) beautifully states, "Strings are not as good as bamboo flutes, and bamboo flutes are not as good as the human voice (絲不如竹，竹不如肉)." This heartfelt saying reflects the power of different musical expressions. While strings and flutes create enchanting melodies, it is the human voice—deeply rooted in nature and imbued with emotion—that possesses the ultimate ability to convey the very essence of life.

This idea is also present in Tacheng, a city along Xinjiang's northwestern border with Kazakhstan. In Tacheng, you can see the beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage, illustrating the unity of nature and the people who live there.

Once a vital trading port along the ancient Silk Road, Tacheng holds within its streets the echoes of centuries-old exchanges, where the rhythms of different ethnic groups merged to create a unique melody of customs and traditions. Currently, Tacheng city has been a multiethnic region since ancient times. 

On October 22, the delegation of A Date with China International media tour attended by journalists and content creators from countries including the US, Australia, Nepal, Mexico, Italy, Canada, and Britain, visited this historic city to explore its rich cultural heritage and learn about the stories reflect Xinjiang's diversity and ethnic unity at the Tacheng Accordion Museum's Accordion Culture Exhibition Hall.

During their visit to the exhibition hall, the group was welcomed by the lively sounds of accordions played by local artists. The accordion, introduced to Tacheng in the 1930s, quickly became a cherished part of the city's cultural identity as it not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of community and connection among the residents.

Tacheng is celebrated as China's "accordion city," a title that is honored at the Tacheng Accordion Museum. As the first of its kind in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the museum houses over 1,000 accordions from 10 countries, including China, Russia, Germany, Italy, and Ukraine. Among its collection are accordions that are made from seashells and diamonds, as well as one that is over a hundred years old, highlighting the deep history of this beloved instrument.

The group had the opportunity to immerse themselves not only in the beauty of the accordions but also in the stories and traditions behind each piece, highlighting the instrument's role in diverse cultures around the world.

From a handmade accordion to modern instruments, the collection captures the fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions. "It's incredible to see how each accordion is donated by individuals, some even gifted personally from overseas", said Australian content creator Jack William Torr. "Seeing it become part of the culture in China illustrates the power that despite our different backgrounds, we can find unity together."