Harbin, best known as the "Ice City", also deserves the title "City of Music". It was one of the first Chinese cities to open up to European classical music, hosting the first symphony concert in China and the first school of Western music. In 2010, the United Nations awarded Harbin the title of "City of Music", making it the first and then only city in Asia to receive this distinction.
Host Zhang Shuyue, a native of Harbin, says on camera:
"I'm a typical Harbin girl - I grew up on grilled sausages, bread with a big loaf, and listening to Harbin Summer tunes that blend Chinese and Russian culture."
Together with Professor Yang Guang from the Harbin Academy of Music, he embarks on a musical journey through the city. It is he who shows the commemorative plaque from the UN and reminds us that being a musician in Harbin is like studying music in Vienna - with a sense of honour and pride.
Harbin is thus not only a symbol of winter and ice, but also a living centre of musical tradition, where Chinese and Russian cultural influences are intertwined.
