A pianist and a violinist perform at the Tides and Music Resort, a new tourism site in Yanguan, in September. CHINA DAILY

According to Chen Guangxian, chairman of the China Symphony Development Foundation and a consultant for the Tide Philharmonic Orchestra, recruitment for the orchestra began three years ago, with its current members being predominantly young musicians, with an average age of just 25.

"We recruited musicians from around the world," says Chen. "Many young Chinese musicians who studied and worked abroad auditioned, and we also have about 15 percent of the orchestra made up of non-Chinese musicians."

Chen, who is also the founder and director of the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra, which will celebrate its 10th birthday in 2026, emphasizes how symphonic music has reached more parts of China in recent years, with over 80 symphony orchestras now scattered across major cities and smaller towns alike.

"The creation of the Tide Philharmonic Orchestra is a testament to Yanguan's evolving relationship with music," says Chen. "The vision was clear: to establish a world-class symphony orchestra deeply rooted in Yanguan's cultural and natural heritage."