Watch Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys Shanghai A Cultural Tour with Traditional Chinese Music

Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys is a series of visual and musical tours that takes viewers on captivating and immersive experiences of iconic cities around the world, combining stunning scenery with authentic traditional music. The Shanghai tour, titled 'Shanghai A Cultural Tour with Traditional Chinese Music', is an enchanting and educational exploration of one of China's most remarkable and bustling cities, and the traditional culture that underpins its modern vibrancy.

The tour begins with a panoramic view of the iconic Bund, the famed waterfront area along the Huangpu River where the colonial architecture of old Shanghai blends with the modern skyscrapers of the city's financial and commercial centre. As the camera sweeps over the river, the languorous melody of the pipa, a Chinese lute-like instrument, begins to play, setting a calming and contemplative mood that will be the musical backdrop to the entire journey. As the music progresses, we see glimpses of the city's eclectic architecture, from the Gothic Revival of the former Shanghai Club to the Art Deco splendour of the Cathay Theatre and the ornate Chinese motifs of the City God Temple.

From there, the tour takes us on a leisurely stroll through some of the city's most cherished cultural landmarks, such as the Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar, a 16th-century oasis of tranquillity and beauty in the heart of the city, full of serene ponds, intricately carved pavilions, and bustling markets selling everything from silk garments to steaming baozi. The pipa music continues, evoking the meditative harmony of the garden's traditional architecture and the bustling energy of the crowds.

As we move on from the garden, the music changes to a more playful tune, reflecting the jolly and lively atmosphere of the nearby Shanghai Old Street, a bustling pedestrianised thoroughfare lined with shops, snacks, and souvenirs. We see acrobats performing feats of balancing and juggling, vendors slicing bakkwa meat and frying tanghulu candied fruit, and tourists laughing and taking selfies. The music becomes more frenetic and lively, joining the whirlwind of sights and sounds.

The tour then takes us to the classical Yifu Theatre, where we get to experience the delicate and graceful art of Chinese opera, one of the most refined and challenging performance traditions in the world. As the pipa gives way to the serene and elaborate melodies of the erhu, a two-stringed fiddle, we witness the colourful costumes, the intricate make-up, and the nuanced singing and acting that make Chinese opera such a mesmerising and rich art form. We learn about the history and symbolism of the stories being performed, and about the training and discipline required to master the craft.

From the theatre, we jump to the nearby Fuxing Park, a green and serene refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, where locals gather to dance, sing, and play traditional instruments such as the guzheng, an ancient plucked zither, and the dizi, a bamboo flute. The music becomes more ethereal and airy, reflecting the gentle movements and playful interactions of the park's denizens, who welcome us with smiles and nods.

Next, we visit a traditional Shanghai shikumen alley, a unique residential compound that blends Western and Chinese architecture, and that once housed the city's middle-class families. We learn about the history and lifestyle of these communities, and we see how the residents have adapted to the challenges and opportunities of modernity. The music becomes more introspective and melancholic, reflecting the nostalgic and wistful mood evoked by the fading glory of these old neighbourhoods.

The tour concludes with a tribute to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, and a symbol of Shanghai's ambition and innovation. As the camera pans over the glittering skyline of Pudong, the futuristic financial district across the river, we hear the pipa return to its meditative and peaceful tune, as if reminding us of the deep roots and enduring wisdom of traditional culture in the midst of modernity.

Overall, 'Shanghai A Cultural Tour with Traditional Chinese Music' is a captivating and informative journey that combines breathtaking visuals, authentic cultural experiences, and entrancing traditional music to create a vivid and immersive portrait of one of the world's most dynamic and fascinating cities. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, this tour will transport you to a realm of beauty, history, and inspiration that you'll never forget.