Whispers of music drift on the wind here in Happy Valley. This isn’t just any valley. This is China’s Happy Valley, a place where music comes alive. Happy Valley began as a humble village of luthiers in Pinggu District’s Donggaocun Town. After China’s reform and opening up, this village blossomed into a hub for musical instrument manufacturing. They craft everything from violins and cellos to guitars, drums, and even bagpipes. In 2009, this little town produced nearly 300,000 guitars, capturing about 30% of the global market share. Happy Valley earned the title of “China’s Guitar Production Base,” bestowed by the China Light Industry Federation.
Happy Valley’s musical heritage inspired a grand vision: the “China Music Valley” project. This ambitious project, supported by the Beijing Municipal Committee and the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, aimed to create a national center for music. In 2010, Liu Qi, the Beijing Municipal Committee Secretary, championed the creation of a “Beijing Music Park District”. This led to a flurry of activity. City leaders visited Happy Valley, eager to lend their support. They envisioned a vibrant hub encompassing instrument design and manufacturing, music creation and promotion, education, and cultural exchange.
Happy Valley is more than just factories. It boasts several distinct areas, each dedicated to a different aspect of music. The Music Industry Zone focuses on research, development, manufacturing, and trade of instruments. It also nurtures music creation, education, and hosts musical events. The Music-Themed Education and Entertainment Zone offers attractions like the International Musical Instrument Museum, and the Ethnic Music Audio-Visual Hall. Imagine experiencing a symphony under the open sky. Happy Valley’s Grassland Music Park hosts just that, with its 260,000-square-meter lawn capable of accommodating 100,000 spectators. Happy Valley has also become home to the Beijing International Pop Music Season, drawing music lovers from around the globe.
Then there’s the Happy Valley Exhibition Center. This impressive building, located near the Jingping Expressway, covers 10,000 square meters and houses a circular cinema, exhibition halls, and interactive musical experiences. The Open-Air Theater, nestled among the hills, provides a stunning backdrop for performances. Happy Valley even has its own hotel, providing convenient accommodation for visitors. Happy Valley stands as a testament to China’s rich musical heritage and its vibrant future in the world of music. It is a place where the echoes of the past mingle with the melodies of the future, inviting everyone to experience the joy of music.