"Transforming this ancient village into a vibrant art hub is particularly appealing, especially for young generations interested in jazz music. I also greatly enjoyed the traditional duck soup,” Reza Pirpiran, Counsellor of the Embassy of Iran in China, shared his impression after visiting Beishan Village, Zhuhai. He finds it impressive that the old village has been revitalized into a destination where both locals and visitors can experience joy and a high quality of life.
Prior to the 2025 Understanding China Conference (Guangzhou), a delegation consisting of foreign dignitaries from Sri Lanka, Iran, and Fiji, as well as media representatives from The Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (RTR), South Korea's Aju Business Daily, and CCTV.com, embarked on the GO Guangdong Unseen Rural China Tour in Zhuhai and Jiangmen from November 28 to 30.
"My favorite part was the visit to the Golden Jazz Art Center in Beishan Village," Pirpiran said with admiration while standing in the artistic space renovated from an ancient ancestral hall. As the keyboard player performed gracefully on the stage, the audience was fully engrossed. The carved lintels of the ancient building and modern stage lights complemented each other perfectly, creating a timeless cultural scene.
The 780-year-old Beishan Village in Zhuhai has revitalized itself through jazz music. It all began in 2010 when Xue Wen initiated the Beishan International Jazz Festival, attracting bands from various countries. The historic Longxi Yang Ancestral Hall has been transformed into the Golden Jazz Art Center, a vibrant space for performances, education, and socializing, becoming a weekly epicenter of cultural fusion.
This cultural initiative has attracted international visitors and new businesses, such as a bakery run by a French couple, enhancing the village's international atmosphere. Now, Beishan stands as a dynamic cultural hub, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with a modern, global identity.
Reporters | Zhou Hongdou, Yin Juewen
Video | Luo Yuan
Cover image | Ding Hefei
Video proofreader | Liang Jieping