Zhangye holds 2nd Qilian Mountains Symphony Concert

The Gansu Symphony Orchestra performs at Shandan Horse Ranch in Zhangye, Gansu province, on Aug 15. [Photo provided to gozhangye.com.cn]

The second Qilian Mountains Symphony Concert was held on Aug 15 at Shandan Horse Ranch in Zhangye, Gansu province, amid snow‑capped mountains and expansive grasslands.

The open‑air performance told stories of ecological conservation, breathed new life into the millennia‑old cultural heritage of the Hexi Corridor, and strengthened the symphony brand while exploring new pathways for integrating eco‑culture and tourism.

Shandan Horse Ranch, established in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), is the world's oldest royal horse ranch. It has long served as a breeding ground for warhorses and a protective ecological barrier for Northwest China.

In recent years, Zhangye has stepped up comprehensive ecological restoration of the Qilian Mountains, resulting in thriving pastures and frequent sightings of wildlife such as black‑necked cranes and blue sheep, offering a pristine natural backdrop for the concert.

Compared with the first edition last year, this year's event upgraded its repertoire and artistic presentation. The performance was delivered by the Gansu Symphony Orchestra under a renowned conductor, with music incorporating themes of mountain landscapes, Silk Road history, and environmental achievements.

The concert series aims to use symphonic art to showcase ecological progress, deepen cultural appreciation, and promote coordinated development of conservation, heritage, and tourism.