On April 1, the 2026 "Shanghai Spring" 8th International Accordion Culture and Art Week featured a special urban cultural experience session. More than ten musicians from around the world gathered in Changning, departing by sightseeing boat from the Zhongshan Park Pier on Suzhou Creek. While enjoying the beautiful scenery along Suzhou Creek, they used music as a medium, linking Chinese and Western cultures through the melodious sound of the accordion.

Before embarking on the Suzhou Creek boat tour, Zhang Shujia, the municipal-level representative inheritor of Changning's intangible cultural heritage dough figurine making, first gave an engaging dough figurine making experience class for the musicians who had traveled from afar. In the class, Zhang patiently explained the techniques of dough figurine making— kneading, rolling, pinching — demonstrating step by step and guiding everyone to appreciate the subtlety of traditional Chinese culture.

"They were all very attentive, and it was clear they have a strong interest in Chinese culture," said Zhang. To let foreign friends experience the joy of traditional intangible heritage, she and her team carefully chose China's national treasure, the giant panda, as the subject for creation.

Under the teacher's guidance, everyone focused on their creations. Ordinary pieces of dough gradually took shape under their fingers, finally turning into lifelike, adorable giant panda dough figurines. Looking at the works they had completed with their own hands, they were full of surprise and admiration on their faces. "This dough figurine hands-on experience was so much fun. I really like it," said Russian bayan player Tatyana Lizounova. It was her first time encountering traditional Chinese culture, and she was deeply captivated.

Kimmo Mattila, secretary general of the World Accordion Alliance, also remarked: "Traditional Chinese culture is full of charm. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to personally take part in making dough figurines. I hope there will be more such events in the future to jointly promote cultural exchange between China and the West."

After the intangible heritage experience, the musicians boarded the Suzhou Creek cruise. Accompanied by the flowing water and the scenery along the banks, they began their Suzhou Creek musical journey. As the cruise slowly departed from Zhongshan Park Pier and glided along Suzhou Creek, the accordionists sat together, playing beautiful melodies, adding a touch of emotion to the springtime Suzhou Creek. This unique "floating concert" became a moving, picturesque sight on Suzhou Creek, drawing many passing citizens and tourists to stop and enjoy. They waved and captured this rare, beautiful moment with their cameras.

"This feeling is amazing!" said Russian accordionist Konstantin Riabin with delight after finishing a piece. "Playing while enjoying the beautiful riverside scenery is not only a relaxing pleasure, but seeing pedestrians on the shore stop to listen to our music also makes me very happy."

"I feel incredibly honored to come to Shanghai and take part in this Accordion Culture and Art Week," said Moldovan accordionist Lev Soromoynovich. For this performance, he had specially prepared some pieces with Chinese characteristics, hoping to use the accordion to express a unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures.

This event was one part of the 2026 "Shanghai Spring" 8th International Accordion Culture and Art Week. Over the following week, the District Culture and Tourism Bureau will join hands with many foreign musicians to present a series of concerts and flash mobs, offering citizens a rich and colorful musical and cultural feast.