Multiple ways for fans to connect with favorites

The recent opening of the Music Q Tencent offline store on Wuxi's Chong'an Temple Commercial Street has created a unique gathering place for the city's aspiring music aficionados.

As the global physical flagship store of Tencent Music, an online music entertainment platform, the outlet integrates genuine celebrity merchandise, artist activities and event check-ins, as well as space for music listening and socializing.

In the interactive area, visitors can press the "play" button, set aside the troubles of daily life and experience the joy brought by music. Physical albums, celebrity paraphernalia, concert memorabilia and collectible cards are available for purchase.

Ningning, a local student, arrived early on the opening day. She said Music Q provides her and many other fans with the opportunity for close contact with beloved artists, adding: "I look forward to more diverse theme events here in the future, which will make it a hot spot for music fans in the city."

Since the trial operation during the National Day holiday in early October, Music Q has garnered high popularity. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and media platforms, the store drives industry upgrades, meeting diverse consumer needs while releasing new vitality in the music community. In the coming months, it plans to host a series of music-themed activities, including fan meetings, autograph sessions and limited product launches, presenting an innovative consumption format that integrates new-form retail, music community, entertainment and leisure.

In Wuxi, music is not limited to a specific store or theater. On Oct 19, the first session of the Taihu International Ukulele Festival was held at EYOT Utopia — an art space in the city's Binhu district. Musicians from around the globe performed and engaged in cultural exchanges at the first ukulele carnival held in the province, which included such renowned performers as Ohana Ukulele.

Wang Lina, organizer of the EYOT Utopia art space, said the lives of local young people are being enriched through music formats such as record stores, music bookstores, music rehearsal rooms and forest theaters. By introducing high-quality performances and outstanding musicians to Wuxi, EYOT Utopia aims to become the artistic center of the Jiangnan region in the Yangtze River Delta.

Wuxi is also committed to cultural infrastructure construction, including theaters, museums, libraries, art centers and concert halls, providing residents with high-quality cultural spaces. The city currently has more than 500 music art folk teams and more than 80 school music clubs, catering to all age groups.

In 2012, Wuxi established the local branch of the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, striving to build itself into a music hub and a city benefiting its residents with culture and art. Over the past four years, it has organized more than 10 large-scale music festival celebrations annually.

Starting in 2019, Wuxi launched the Taihu Art Festival, covering musicals, dance dramas, traditional operas, folk music and parent-child interactive dramas. The 2024 Taihu Art Festival and 23rd China Shanghai International Arts Festival took place from late September to early December, featuring more than 120 literary and artistic performances, exhibition displays and cultural activities.

In order to provide residents with high-quality and affordable performances, the average ticket prices for the arts festival were up to 60 percent lower than other periods throughout the year, with 70 percent of tickets being offered at discounted rates.

liyou@chinadaily.com.cn