STORY: Canadian expat explores rural concert in south China
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 25, 2023
DATELINE: Nov. 29, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:36
LOCATION: ZHONGSHAN, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the village
2. various of the concert
3. SOUNDBITE (English): ADRIAN, Canadian teacher

STORYLINE:

A Canadian expat participated in a two-day rural concert that concluded on Sunday in south China's Zhongshan City. He explored what life was like in rural China and how the concert added color to rural revitalization.

SOUNDBITE (English): ADRIAN, Canadian teacher
"As a foreigner, I've always been curious about what life is like in rural China after years of development. What is it like for the farmers today? So today I've come to Zuobu Village in Nanlang District, Zhongshan. I've come to enjoy the Golden Earth Concert, and to see a little bit of what life is like in the new China's countryside.
This year's concert will take place on November 25 and 26. Attendees of the concert will be able to hear a wide range of music, everything from traditional music, rock and roll, electronica, and even music for young children.   
During the day, tourists can stroll through Zuobu Village and enjoy coffee and delicious food. There are so many people here today. It's interesting because this small village does feel like a small town in Canada. We have food, music, and coffee. But we just don't have this many people in our villages. I never expected it to be like this. Wow!
This is an ecological market where local farmers are selling the produce that they grew themselves. We've got some locally grown bananas, some white sweet potatoes, interesting and unique fruits, and many other things.
In southern China, it's now the season of rice harvest in late autumn. Under the sunshine, a golden carpet unfolds in the golden rice fields, where two stages have been set up. In addition to the main stage, there's also an area where each audience member can take center stage and display their musical talents to the fullest.   
This is a natural live-house music venue where the music brings joy to people.
It reminds me so much of the concerts back in Canada where we have outdoor music festivals in large grassy fields. The one difference is there's a lot of people here, and you can just feel the energy.
Since this October, the Zhongshan Golden Earth Concert has been promoted in various townships in Zhongshan. People from all walks of life who love music have come to participate in it. The audience enjoyed a visual and auditory feast amidst the green waters and lush countryside.   
This has not only promoted the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism in Zhongshan, but it has also contributed to the revitalization of rural culture.
In the sweet melodies, everyone shares the stage and experiences the fruitful results of rural rejuvenation.
As night falls, the colorful and magnificent fireworks kick off the Golden Earth Concert.
Tonight, everyone in attendance is a protagonist. And they are able to sing and dance to their hearts' content. So tonight, as we are immersed in the enchanting music, we sing together and dream of a beautiful future for rural China."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Zhongshan, China.
(XHTV)