Shenzhen gets in tune with cultural ambitions

In April, video footage of Yi playing a piano in Huaqiangbei clad in a helmet and reflective vest went viral online, quickly trending on Sina Weibo and X, formerly known as Twitter.

By early last month, the footage had been viewed at least 4 million times worldwide, with attention focusing not only on Yi, but also on the determination of the authorities in Shenzhen for the city to embrace a culture characterized by "openness and inclusiveness".

Born in an obscure village in Huarong county, Hunan province, Yi had few opportunities to play instruments when he was young. Yet, the self-taught performer eagerly accepted any opportunity to learn and practice, as he was captivated by musical composition.

At the age of 6, when most performers have already begun studying the piano at music academies, Yi learned the traditional stringed instrument the erhu from a group of people lodging at his home. It was not until much later that he first saw a piano when he visited his cousin's house in Huarong.

"My family was too poor to buy a piano for me, so I often used to visit my cousin, even though it took about an hour to travel the 20 kilometers to his home over bumpy roads just for the opportunity to sit at the keyboard," Yi said.