Wuxi, the Newest UNESCO City of Music, Charms Europe with 2026 Folk Tour

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – A high-level cultural delegation from Wuxi, China’s renowned “Home of Erhu,” has completed a landmark two-week musical tour across Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. The tour, featuring an over 80-member ensemble from the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group, has been a resounding success, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and establishing Wuxi as the newest UNESCO City of Music.

The tour, which began on February 13th, was organized by the Wuxi Municipal Government in collaboration with the Chinese Ministry of Culture and the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group. The aim of the tour was to promote Wuxi’s vibrant folk music and strengthen cultural ties with Europe.

The tour kicked off in Brussels, Belgium, where the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group performed at the prestigious BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts. The audience was captivated by the mesmerizing melodies of the erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument that has its roots in Wuxi. The group also performed traditional Chinese folk songs, showcasing the diversity and depth of Wuxi’s musical heritage.

Next, the delegation traveled to Germany, where they performed in Berlin and Munich. The performances were met with great enthusiasm and appreciation from the German audience, who were impressed by the skill and precision of the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group. The group also had the opportunity to interact with local musicians and exchange cultural insights, further strengthening the bond between Wuxi and Germany.

The tour then moved on to Austria, where the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group performed at the prestigious Vienna State Opera. The performance was a highlight of the tour, with the group receiving a standing ovation from the audience. The erhu’s hauntingly beautiful melodies echoed through the opera house, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The performance was followed by a cultural exchange event, where the group shared their experiences and insights with local musicians and artists.

The final stop of the tour was in Budapest, Hungary, where the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group performed at the iconic Hungarian State Opera House. The performance was a fitting finale to the tour, with the group receiving rave reviews from the Hungarian audience. The tour concluded with a grand farewell ceremony, where the Wuxi delegation was honored by the Hungarian Ministry of Culture for their contribution to promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.

The success of the tour has not only brought Wuxi’s folk music to the international stage but has also put the city on the map as the newest UNESCO City of Music. This prestigious title is a testament to Wuxi’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

The Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group’s tour has not only showcased the city’s musical talent but has also strengthened cultural ties between Wuxi and Europe. The performances were met with overwhelming support and appreciation, with many audience members expressing their desire to visit Wuxi and experience its vibrant culture firsthand.

Wuxi, known as the “Home of Erhu,” has a long and illustrious history in the world of music. The city has produced some of the most renowned erhu players in China and has been a hub for traditional Chinese music for centuries. The success of the tour has further cemented Wuxi’s position as a cultural powerhouse and a must-visit destination for music lovers.

The Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group’s tour has been a resounding success, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and promoting cultural exchange between Wuxi and Europe. The tour has not only brought Wuxi’s folk music to the international stage but has also established the city as the newest UNESCO City of Music. With its vibrant culture and rich musical heritage, Wuxi is sure to charm and captivate audiences around the world for years to come.