Zebra Festival in Chengdu

New Sounds of China is back on The Nanfang with a look at music originating from Chengdu.

Here’s what’s in store:

After two episodes devoted to music from the Chinese capital, our Beijing-centric presenters finally attune their ears to the sounds of a second city. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan (or Szechuan) province, is stereotypically known for its spicy food and spicier women, yet also hosts a thriving alternative music scene.

Positioned close to some of China’s most remote and ethnically mixed regions, Chengdu is an obvious base for folksong collectors, yet it has also developed a distinctive urban culture, including a number of small, lively music venues. Therefore, at the same time as introducing the local musicians who help shape this rival to the Beijing scene, we also explore (and challenge) the so-called “Chengdu temperament”, a concept which supposedly describes the local way of living and making music.

As always, the show is hosted by Paul Kendall and Hu Pan. You can listen to Episode 4 here.

If you’ve missed past shows, they are in the New Sounds of China archive here.