Performers of Maoshan Haozi folk music take to the stage in Brussels. [Photo/xinghua.gov.cn]

Maoshan Haozi folk music, a cherished intangible cultural heritage item from Xinghua city, located in East China's Jiangsu province, recently made its overseas debut in the city of Brussels, capital of Belgium.

On Jan 23-25, the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the China Cultural Center in Brussels co-held a series of cultural and tourism promotion activities in the European city, wishing attendees a happy Chinese New Year and showcasing the manifest charms of Jiangsu.

There were Spring Festival folk culture exhibitions, fun folk activities, cultural and artistic performances, temple fairs and other great events.

Invited to perform in Brussels, players of Maoshan Haozi folk music, which originated in Dainan town in Xinghua, were warmly received.

Lu Aiqin, a representative national-level inheritor of Maoshan Haozi folk music, said that although the audience failed to understand the specific meaning of the words, everyone showed great enthusiasm for the performances.

Maoshan Haozi is a form of improvised folk songs directly related to labor and production activities. In ancient times, people began to work and sing at the same time.

Lu Aiqin and two locals from Brussels pose for a photo. [Photo/xinghua.gov.cn]