World heritage meets world music at 7th Gulangyu Music Festival

The 7th Gulangyu Music Festival brings together leading international musicians and singer-songwriters on the island for a 10-day program starting July 13. [Photo provided from Lin Yuyang to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 7th Gulangyu Music Festival brings together leading international musicians and singer-songwriters on the island for a 10-day program starting July 13. From pop to opera and organ recitals, the eclectic lineup of performances adds fresh energy to Gulangyu Island's musical heritage.

The festival unfolds across five distinct zones — Prestige Concerts, Educational Sessions, Gangzaihou Beach Stage, Flash Mobs, and Music Market.

Gulangyu Island's UNESCO-listed heritage buildings serve as performance backdrops, with venues spread throughout the island, such as the Gulangyu Concert Hall, the Organ Art Center, and the China Film Music Exhibition Hall.

Organist Olivier Latry mentors a young musician in playing the organ. [Photo provided from Lin Yuyang to chinadaily.com.cn]

Music greets visitors at every turn, offering every guest — regardless of age or musical preference — the chance to discover a melody that speaks to them.

On summer nights, Gulangyu has welcomed a host of renowned musicians from China and overseas. Organists Olivier Latry and Ludger Lohmann, along with Chinese baritone Liao Changyong, are among the island's artists-in-residence.

The Gangzaihou Beach stage hosts a series of standout vocal performances. [Photo provided from Lin Yuyang to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Gangzaihou Beach stage has hosted a series of standout vocal performances, with singers offering everything from traditional folk music to nostalgic pop and original chart-toppers.

For the first time, leading a cappella troupes from Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, and Xiamen have set foot on the island, treating audiences to dedicated concerts and roving flash mobs.

As Gulangyu Island celebrates its ninth year as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is extending a warm welcome to global visitors. Through immersive experiences and smart tour guides to multilingual services and convenient payment options, it is building a standardized service system that sets a benchmark for inbound and civilized tourism.