Taibo Temple opens doors to expat group

Expats watch a paper-cutting demonstration, Feb 12. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

After a delicious lunch at a local hotel, we get to take part in one final activity –– learning how to play the erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument not dissimilar to the violin.

A talented teacher plays some music for us, including "The Moon Reflected on the Second Spring", a mournful composition that has us all captivated.

Soon, we are laughing and joking again as the instruments are handed out for us to have a practice on. While the teacher is patient with us, we all struggle to follow the techniques that she demonstrated so beautifully for us.

But it doesn't matter. Eventually, we manage to produce some kind of sound and finish the session by singing along as she plays a famous children's song.

All too soon, it is time for the group to go our separate ways. Most of us had never heard of Taibo Temple or its associated festival before, but it is not something any of us are likely to forget in a hurry.

As goodbyes are said, I hear many members of the group saying how much they enjoyed the experience, and I wonder if more foreign visitors will follow in our footsteps?

During a quick rest stop earlier in the day, we had all been shown some of the plans the local government has to develop a tourist town –– Meili Ancient Town. The development plans are ambitious, and are sure to bring thousands of new visitors to the temple and surrounding areas.

For those who haven't heard of this wonderful place, chances are they will do soon.