Hangzhou always lacked modern music events until May 1 this year, when the first West Lake Modern Music Festival was held on the city’s lakeside. The annual largest music festival in Zhejiang Province is organized by City Express and Hangzhou Magazine. The second open air event, held on May 28-29 this year, will feature 10 bands, which will perform continuously for nine hours every day of the festival. These will include a local band Fantian, Milk & Coffee, Big Sharks and Cool Fairyland.

This year’s musicians are more well-known than those of last year. Xu Wei, who transformed Chinese modern music from underground to commercial; Zhang Chu, modern music artist, who will bring many people nostalgic for their youth; and Joanna Wong, a 20-year-old singer who wrote her first song at the age of 14.

Venue: More open

Last year was the very first time an open air music festival was organized for Hangzhou residents. Being the first music event in Zhejiang Province of this scale, organizers had all kinds of worries and concerns. But as soon as the audience arrived and settled in these worries were put at ease. It was clear – people were having a lot of fun. Some sat in groups with friends on chairs provided by the event, some sat on the grass in the shade, and others just lay on the grass with closed eyes. The audience was clearly enjoying the music, as well as the performers, some of whom were singing and dancing in bare feet.

This year’s event, which is expected to attract around 5,000 people, will not provide chairs. This festival aims to have a more relaxed atmosphere with more free space under the stars.

Tickets: Cheaper this year

The two-day ticket will cost 200 yuan and one-day ticket 150 yuan. Organizers are encouraging more people to come and have a good time.