Tea city intoxicated with tunes

To celebrate the natural and cultural resources of Pu'er in southwest China's province Yunnan, the first International Country Music Festival was held, tuning in the city to a new attraction.

Reporter: "The city of Pu'er gives its name to the world-famous tea. The tea and the subtropical climate draw flocks of tourists. Now the area is trying to prove that it doesn't only provide a stimulating experience for the nose and palate and eye, but also for the ear."

It is where village duet meets blue grass, and urban folk meets African drums. The five-day festival highlights over 30 bands and groups from home and abroad.

Singer and songwriter Cao Fang comes from Xishuangbanna, a nearby tourist attraction whose major inhabitants are the Dai Ethnic people, was excited to take part in the event.

Singer & songwriter Cao Fang said, "As a Yunnan native, I'm so glad to see the local music that I'm proud of being shown along with the modern melodies from big cities and other cultures. Music is nurtured and developed during the process of communication. "

To the spectators from far and near, the festival is an experience stronger than joy itself.

Festival goer said, "I'm a student from Lijiang city and I didn't miss a concert. As a light music lover, I love to learn about more music genres from the festival. "

Festival goer said, "I come from northern China and I find the festival is awesome! Yunnan boasts over thirty minority groups, and it is a great opportunity to demonstrate their ballads, costumes and customs. "

A local government official says it's a dream come true and just the beginning of the project.

Zhao Liantao, head of publicity department of Pu'er Municipal Committee of the CPC, said, "Pu'er is the home of 26 minority groups. You are easily enchanted by the singing and dancing from each village. So we regard the place as a fertile ground of developing music, not only ethnic and traditional music, but also the modern genres. We plan to develop some music towns in the coming ten years and transform this area into a base of musical communication and creation."

The music festival, along with the New Silk Road Miss World Competition, have been assigned as annual twin activities for the city between 2012 and 2016. After this, the scale and form of the events will be upgraded.