Host city makes guests feel welcome

A worker waters flowers at a park in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Sept 2, amid summit preparations. [Photo by Jiang Kehong / Xinhua]

As part of Xiamen's preparations for the BRICS Summit, a double-decker bus has been broadcasting melodies written and composed by local residents all across the city to spread its reputation for friendship and hospitality.

As the bus circles Xiamen Island on the ring road, onlookers add their voices as well. Anyone scanning a QR code with their smartphone can get the lyrics in Mandarin, English and the southern Fujian dialect.

"The bus is close to our daily life, so it's a good way to spread culture," said musician Yang Mu, who helped launch the program. He contributed more than 30 songs to the project.

Yang, originally from Taiwan, settled in the city in 2013, and has penned many songs dedicated to his beloved city.

"Adorable Xiamen is like a song," he said. It is also among the lyrics from a recent work of his frequently heard in the city's streets these days.

Arrivals are now greeted by an illuminated harbor. In the past year, the city government set up 1,400 large-scale lighting arrays along bridges, parks and significant architecture.

"When people take a plane to the city, they can see a very clear coastline, which is like a pearl necklace," said Xu Dongliang, chief designer of the project.