Music industries thrive in Wuxi

The manufacturing of instruments such as the erhu, harmonica, accordion, and harp has taken root in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, and continues to thrive.

The erhu industry is a distinctive feature of Meicun sub-district in the city's Xinwu district.

As early as 1965, the establishment of an ethnic musical instrument factory in Meicun marked the beginning of the sub-district's erhu production history. Today, Meicun is a major erhu manufacturing hub, producing nearly 50,000 erhu annually. This output accounts for approximately a quarter of the national high-end erhu market, with an annual value approaching 50 million yuan ($6.85 million).

In October 2010, Meicun was designated the "Land of Erhu Craft in Jiangsu Province", and in September 2011, the erhu-making technique was listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage item.

Meicun Erhu Cultural Park. [Photo/wuximusic.com]

Jiangyin Goldencup Angels Musical Instruments Co Ltd, a leader in China's accordion industry, produces 25,000 accordions annually and has achieved a domestic market coverage rate of about 40 percent. The company also exports its products to over 10 countries and regions, including Italy, Russia, and the United States.

There are currently 18 harmonica factories worldwide with complete production capacity and their own brands, of which 11 are located in China and six are based in Jiangyin, Wuxi, making the city the world's leading producer of harmonicas.

In January 2022, the globally renowned harp brands Lyon & Healy and Salvi set up operations in Wuxi. Within just two years, the companies have achieved significant growth in both production capacity and output value, currently holding more than 60 percent of the global market share.