Music Without Borders: Festival Showcases Cultural Diversity in Gansu

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The ethnic music concert "Blooming Pomegranate Flower – Beautiful Gansu" was held on the scenic Sangke Grasslands in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in China's Gansu Province.

The event extended beyond a music festival, serving as a platform for cultural exchange that brought together the traditions of China's many ethnic groups, contemporary musical styles and members of the international media against the backdrop of the Tibetan Plateau.

The festival demonstrated how China is increasingly using the arts to promote international cultural exchange, showcase regional tourism and foster ethnic unity.

Gansu as a crossroads of cultures

For centuries, Gansu Province formed an important part of the ancient Silk Road. Today, the region continues to build on that heritage by combining long-standing traditions with contemporary artistic expression and presenting its ethnic diversity as a cultural asset.

The concert's title, "Blooming Pomegranate Flower," reflects this concept. In Chinese culture, the pomegranate symbolizes unity, solidarity and the harmonious coexistence of diverse ethnic communities while preserving their distinct identities.

The choice of the high-altitude grasslands of Gannan as the venue underscored this message. The region is known for preserving Tibetan cultural traditions while remaining closely connected with China's contemporary cultural life.

Traditional music in a modern setting

The concert programme traced the evolution of Chinese music from traditional folk melodies to contemporary interpretations.

The evening opened with Tibetan folk songs and dances performed by local artists and practitioners of intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the nomadic lifestyle, natural landscapes and spiritual traditions of the highland region.

A performance by the National Orchestra of Gansu marked one of the festival's highlights. The orchestra presented new interpretations of well-known works, combining traditional Chinese instruments with symphonic arrangements and elements of rock music.

The audience warmly welcomed performances of "My Motherland," "New Horse Racing," "Festival Song," "Beautiful Huar," "King of Elephants," "I Sing the Party's Song Again," as well as a contemporary arrangement of the well-known Hong Kong song "Protector of Flowers."

The combination of traditional melodies with modern musical forms reflected an approach aimed at preserving cultural heritage through creative reinterpretation for new audiences.

International participation

The event was attended by journalists, photographers and bloggers from 23 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, Spain, Malaysia and Thailand.

Siriyakorn Jullagulp, a participant from Thailand, said the concert left a strong impression on her.

"It was a wonderful combination of tradition and modernity. I especially enjoyed the Chinese folk music, the sounds of nature that resembled horses neighing, and the unique interpretation of the famous Hong Kong song 'Protector of Flowers', where Chinese musical traditions blended harmoniously with elements of Western rock. Seeing people of different nationalities gathering on the highland grasslands to enjoy music together was truly remarkable," she said.

According to the organisers, participation by international media representatives helps introduce the cultural heritage of western China to global audiences.

Music and cultural exchange

The organisers presented the festival as part of broader efforts to promote cultural exchange through music, traditional arts and the region's natural attractions.

They said the event demonstrates how ethnic cultural heritage can contribute to cultural dialogue and international cooperation while supporting regional development.

Promoting cultural tourism

The festival will continue until 19 July, featuring performances by artists from Gannan as well as the Chinese bands Hanggai and Penicillin and the rock group Black Panther.

Organisers view the event as part of a wider strategy to promote Gansu Province as a cultural tourism destination.

They said the Tibetan Plateau's landscapes, the region's historical heritage, ethnic diversity and programme of cultural events together are helping position Gansu as an attractive destination for cultural tourism in China.