A sculpture of Ah Bing. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]
This year marks the 130th birthday of Ah Bing, China's most famous erhu player, and after a small facelift, his former residence in Liangxi district, Wuxi, reopened on Nov 9.
Integrating modern and traditional decorations, the renovated former residence is divided into a folk music hall, a sitting room, a music appreciation hall, and a creative and cultural products exhibition hall. With the help of paintings, sculptures, and art installations, visitors can get a further understanding of the legendary musician.
Exhibition hall at the former residence of Ah Bing. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]
The residence's main hall introduces the life of Ah Bing and an electronic version of erhu can be seen on a transparent display. Click it, and some stories related to the musician become available.
Opening the window on the hall, a folding screen with a picture portraying the recording of his classic piece The Moon Over a Fountain will come into view. Visitors can also listen to the piece's acoustic recording by Ah Bing while touring his residence.
A small stage at the former residence of Ah Bing. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]
Blind Ah Bing, a folk artist who lived in the old downtown area of Wuxi (now Liangxi district), earned his living by playing erhu in the street and struggled with poverty for decades.
In the near future, folk music concerts and fairs will be arranged at the former residence for local residents to spend their leisure time.
Address: Chong'an Temple, No 128 Renminzhong Road, Liangxi district
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm (No entering after 4:30 pm)
Ticket: Free
