BEIJING, May 15 -- The world-heritage listed natural forest park of Zhangjiajie is a must-see destination for many people, but rarely has it been imagined as the site for a large-scale international country music festival - that is until now.

    The 2009 Zhangjiajie International Country Music Week kicked off on Thursday afternoon, with a mix of music by the Santa Fe Art Ensemble from the United States and Zhangjiajie local troupes.

The 2009 Zhangjiajie International Country Music Week opened on May 14, 2009 in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province. (Photo: CRIENGLISH.com) Photo Gallery>>>

    Their joint efforts in performing a classic folk song from the area infused a hearty dose of excitement at the very beginning, which, in a sense, may be the best way to usher in this large-scale international event.

    Along with this combination of music from East and West, famous French vocalist Cyril Niccolai also endeared himself to Chinese audiences by singing the hit Chinese song - Teresa Teng's "The Moon Represents My Heart", accompanied by pop singer A Duo from Hunan Province.

    Argentina's top-class tango troupe Carlos brought to the stage their enthusiastic rendition of the traditional tango dance "Mala Junta" and their eye-dazzling performance pleased the crowd.

    Many other overseas participants also joined in with entertaining performances during the opening ceremony and treated music fans with a real dose of country music, including hits such as "Leaving on a Jet Plane", "Psalm of Nile" and "Country Road Takes Me Home".

    Country music, born in the southern parts of the U.S. during the 1920s, was originally popular among people in the countryside. It has now grown into a worldwide phenomenon.

    During this festival week from May 14 to 18, Zhangjiajie will showcase live performances from 24 foreign bands, and 7 distinguished performing troupes from domestic ethnic groups from places like the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia, Yunnan, Guizhou and Hunan.

    The week-long music festival will feature music performed simultaneously at six different venues and boasts many other activities, including a bonfire party and theater performances.

    Music fans will then have an opportunity to listen to all styles of country folk music and interact with performers from around the world. Don't miss it!