Children dance by the melody of accordions at a square in Tacheng City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Lin Liping)

Once an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, Tacheng City, traditionally a multicultural community housing people of more than 20 ethnic groups including Kazakh, Hui, Uyghur, Mongolian, Tatar and Russian, boasts sound ecology and beautiful scenery.

Accordion, the most popular folk musical instrument in Tacheng, is the name card of the city. Accordion classes are offered in all primary and secondary schools in Tacheng, and performances by accordion artists and enthusiasts of all ethnic groups can be seen everywhere specially in the streets and restaurants. The instrument is not only a popular source of daily recreation, but also an important element in social activites.

In 2023, Tacheng was awarded the title of "Accordion City of China" by the accordion society of Chinese Musicians' Association. In recent years, Tacheng has actively promoted its accordion culture by holding various activities, attracting many citizens and tourists to participate, which further strengthened unity among ethnic groups.

Citizens dance by the melody of accordions at a square in Tacheng City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

Students play accordions at a middle school in preparation for an upcoming accordion art festival in Tacheng City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

A teacher (1st L) makes a point as students learn to play accordion in Tacheng City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Students play accordions at a middle school in preparation for an upcoming accordion art festival in Tacheng City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)