Thousands of fans sit through the rain to enjoy a concert celebrating the opening of the 11th Annual Bronze Exhibition in Tongling on October 13, 2010.[Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

The past few days have been nothing but rain for Tongling, which is usually the norm here, and has therefore done little to shake the festivities and enthusiasm within the birthplace of China's bronze civilization. Last night I along with other CRI reporters were treated to an all-star concert in the pouring rain to kick off the 11th Annual Bronze Exhibition. A crowd of over 3,000 filled with Tongling residents and visitors from all over the world came together to enjoy a concert showcasing performers from all over China. About halfway through everyone was treated to a special violin performance by Shen Zhong Guo, who is considered to be one of the greatest violin players in China. By the time he hit the stage, the rain wasn't an issue as his music filled the Tongling night sky while fans sat in silence in awe of his talent and skill.

This morning began with a meeting with representatives from one of Tongling's privately-owned copper companies. Each representative spoke in great detail about the company and the many different bronze pieces that it produces. At the end I was given a small bronze disc that was made to commemorate the solar eclipse last year. Apparently Tongling is the best place in China to view an eclipse. The gift itself was a classic example of the hospitality that is representative of the people of Tongling.

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A bronze craftsman adds a special design to a bronze figure at the Golden Snail Bronze Art Company in Tongling on October 13, 2010.[Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Next we went on a visit to the Tongling Golden Snail Bronze Art Company. It's a small factory that produces bronze work of all shapes and sizes. We were given a thorough tour of just how each bronze artifact is made, from start to finish.

Bronze workers put on the finishing touches to smaller crafts of various shapes and sizes at the Golden Snail Bronze Art Company in Tongling on October 13, 2010.[Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]