Music fans from other cities arrived at the concert venue with their luggage in tow, while Chinese fans from Australia made a special trip back to Wuhan for the performance… At 7:30 PM on October 17th, the opening concert of the 14th Qintai Music Festival took place at Qintai Concert Hall. As world-renowned classical conductor Valery Gergiev gently raised his baton, the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra with nearly 300 years of history began playing breathtaking melodies. “Wuhan’s romance is hidden in every musical note,” this musical feast not only immersed audiences in artistic beauty but also connected visitors from around the world with Wuhan’s culture, scenery, and vibrant atmosphere, creating a symphony of integrated cultural tourism and commercial development through diverse “music+” scenarios.

During the 14th Qintai Music Festival opening concert, Gergiev and the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra delivered an outstanding performance for music lovers.

■ A Mutual Connection with Wuhan

Global Music Fans Experience Unique Musical Performances

“We flew from Melbourne to Shanghai first, then took the high-speed train to Wuhan specifically for this world-class performance.” Mr. Zheng, who has lived in Melbourne, Australia for over 30 years, considers Wuhan his hometown. This time, he brought his sister and granddaughter along, making it both a musical journey and a heartwarming homecoming. In Wuhan, Mr. Zheng’s first stop was to taste hometown flavors. “We went to Shanhaiguan Road at noon and had the famous lotus root and pork rib soup from Yanzi Soup Restaurant – absolutely delicious! We’re going back tomorrow since it’s autumn now, the lotus root is wonderfully soft and the soup is flavorful. I’ve been craving this authentic hometown taste.”

During their three-day Wuhan itinerary, Mr. Zheng’s family stayed at the Wuhan Marco Polo Hotel with views of the Yangtze River and bridges. Besides attending the concert, they planned to experience Wuhan’s riverside culture at the Zhiyin Cruise and go shopping at Wushang Dream Times. “Today, traveling from Shanhaiguan Road to Qintai Concert Hall, I witnessed how much Wuhan has developed. Seeing it with my own eyes fills me with happiness and pride.”

A music fan from Shanghai, Ms. Wang, arrived directly at the venue with her luggage after getting off the plane. “I frequently fly from Shanghai to Wuhan for performances. The acoustics at Qintai Concert Hall are surprisingly excellent – in my opinion, it’s one of China’s best concert halls acoustically.” Ms. Wang mentioned that Shanghai also hosts concerts by Gergiev and the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra, but with different programs. She specifically chose Wuhan to experience the unique musical atmosphere. “It happens to be the weekend, so I’ve made plans with Wuhan friends to explore the city and enjoy local cuisine together. Wuhan’s lotus root dishes are particularly delicious, and I’m determined to try them properly.”

Also drawn by the music was Sha Runqing, a senior university student from Xi’an. As an experienced classical music enthusiast, this marked his fourth time attending classical performances at Qintai Concert Hall. He went directly to the venue after arriving by train. “The transportation from Xi’an to Wuhan is very convenient, and Wuhan’s cultural惠民 policies are excellent with very affordable ticket prices, which is particularly friendly for students.” Every time he visits Wuhan, Sha never misses the opportunity to explore local attractions. He has previously visited Yellow Crane Tower, Yangtze River Bridge, and Hubei Provincial Museum. “After tonight’s performance, I plan to visit Hubu Alley over the weekend and see the old buildings in Hankou to experience Wuhan’s vibrant atmosphere.” He expressed his intention to continue visiting.

Lin Xiaoyu, a post-95s generation visitor from Guangzhou, planned his music trip with more of a “leisurely exploration” approach. During the day, he first visited East Lake to enjoy Wuhan’s autumn scenery before leisurely making his way to Qintai Concert Hall in the afternoon. “I love both classical music and urban exploration. This is my first time coming to Wuhan for a performance, so I’ve combined it with tourism.” Lin said he planned to walk along Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, visit Yellow Crane Tower, and explore Tanhualin to experience Wuhan’s artistic atmosphere over the weekend. “Being able to listen to top-tier symphonic music while enjoying Wuhan’s autumn scenery makes this trip absolutely worthwhile.”

■ Qintai Music Festival Becomes a “City Festival”

Musical Appeal Activates

Qintai Concert Hall

The Qintai Concert Hall is a modern cultural venue in Wuhan, China, designed to resemble a giant piano and violin. It opened in 2009 and is located near the ancient Qintai platform, a site historically associated with the legendary musician Yu Boya. The hall serves as a premier destination for classical music performances, blending contemporary architecture with historical cultural references.

Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra

The Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra is the resident orchestra of the famed Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, an institution with a history dating back to 1783. Under the long-standing leadership of Valery Gergiev, the orchestra has built a world-renowned reputation, particularly for its interpretations of Russian masterworks by composers like Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich.

Shanhaiguan Road

Shanhaiguan Road is a historic thoroughfare in Qinhuangdao, China, leading to the renowned Shanhaiguan Pass, an eastern starting point of the Great Wall. This strategic pass, often called the “First Pass Under Heaven,” has been a critical military stronghold since the Ming Dynasty, famously marking the boundary between ancient Chinese civilization and the lands beyond. The road itself serves as a modern access route to this culturally significant site, which witnessed pivotal historical events, including the Manchu invasion in the 17th century.

Yanzi Soup Restaurant

Yanzi Soup Restaurant is a beloved local eatery in Singapore, known for its traditional Bak Kut Teh (pork rib soup). It was established in the 1960s and has become an iconic part of the city’s culinary heritage, serving its signature peppery broth for generations.

Wuhan Marco Polo Hotel

The Wuhan Marco Polo Hotel is a modern luxury hotel located in the heart of Wuhan’s Hankou district, near the scenic Yangtze River. It was established in 2005 and is part of the Marco Polo Hotels group, which takes its name from the famous Venetian merchant and explorer. The hotel is known for its upscale accommodations and prime location, offering easy access to the city’s business and commercial centers.

Zhiyin Cruise

The Zhiyin Cruise is a modern Yangtze River cruise experience that takes passengers through the scenic Three Gorges region. While the cruise company itself is contemporary, its journeys explore an area steeped in ancient Chinese history, including legendary sites associated with the Qu Yuan poet and the Battle of Red Cliffs. The name “Zhiyin” (知音), meaning “understanding friend,” references a famous Chinese story about deep friendship, connecting the cultural journey to a timeless local tale.

Wushang Dream Times

“Wushang Dream Times” is a large modern commercial and entertainment complex located in Wuhan, China. It was developed as part of the city’s urban renewal efforts, transforming a former industrial area into a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and leisure. The project reflects Wuhan’s contemporary economic growth and serves as a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Yellow Crane Tower

The Yellow Crane Tower is a famous historical tower in Wuhan, China, originally built in the 3rd century during the Three Kingdoms period as a military watchtower. It has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history, with the current structure dating from 1985. The tower is celebrated in Chinese poetry and culture as a symbol of longevity and spiritual elevation.