MUSIC SCENE ROCKS BACK TO LIFE

Crowds return to live house venues as country casts off COVID-19 shadow

After China lifted its COVID-19 restrictions, live house venues are now back in full swing, hosting bands and large audiences.

"We staged year-end shows annually, but not for the past three years due to the pandemic. When I watched the performances at DDC on Dec 28, when our program began, I spoke to lots of people and we all had a great time," said Dusk Dawn Club owner Zhang Jincan.

On Dec 28, a weeklong program to mark the end of 2022 and the forthcoming new year attracted 18 indie bands and seven disc jockeys to a small live-music venue near Ritan Park in Beijing. Hosted by DDC, the event featured a diverse range of music styles, including rock, punk, electronic and jazz.