Wuxi kicks off cultural exchange activity in Paris

Chinese artists perform Wuxi folk songs at the launch ceremony of the Chinese Folk Music Wuxi Week. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

The Chinese Folk Music Wuxi Week kicked off at the China Cultural Center in Paris, France, on May 21 with performances of Wuxi's folk music and opportunities to experience the local culture.

Wuxi saw the global launch of some major music projects at the event, including music-themed travel routes, visits by international musicians, and the 14th Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival.

The city also awarded the honorary title "Music Envoy" to foreigners who have been actively promoting Chinese folk music. Eliott Tordo played erhu masterpieces while recomposing and creating erhu music. One of his videos on YouTube was viewed over 9 million times.

Another renowned French singer-composer recomposed The Four Seasons and blended ancient Chinese poems and the 24 solar terms into the concertos.

Eliott Tordo plays The Moon Reflected on the Erquan Spring with Lyu Wei, a violinist from the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

During the event, Tordo played the erhu masterpiece The Moon Reflected on the Erquan Spring with Lyu Wei, a violinist from the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra, while the French singer-composer performed the Spring in The Four Seasons with four other musicians from the orchestra.

May 21 marks International Tea Day. Wuxi has been a renowned producer of tea leaves in China since ancient times, and Yixing, renowned for its zisha (or purple clay) teapots, is also located in the city.

A Chinese erhu player talks with French guests. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

Wuxi greeted guests with tea made from locally-produced Taihu Cuizhu tea leaves and water from Huishan Spring, the Second Best Spring in the Country, and local tea diets.

During the event, craftsmen from Yixing showcased the making of purple clay teapots, over 30 purple clay teapots and Huishan clay figurines were displayed, and tea ceremonies were performed.