Dalian opens its doors wider to buskers

Li Jun, assistant to the Dalian Art College president, said that for years the city has cultivated citizens' appreciation for all kinds of music. It strives to "close the distance" with residents through culture, especially music.

"Apart from attracting locals, Dalian tries to draw young people's attention, and that's why the city launched the busking project," Li Jun said, adding that cities in northeastern China face the problem of young people moving to those in the south of the country, and Dalian is no exception.

"Street art and busking are good ways of attracting young people to the city, getting them to love Dalian, and persuading them to stay," Li Jun said.

Dalian is not the only place in China to promote street art or encourage buskers to perform in areas designated by local authorities.

Cities such as Shanghai and Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, have granted permits to buskers offering quality performances for audiences at certain locations.