Father and daughter embark on epic journey of song

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Chuanzi, a well-known singer in China, has always regretted missing out on the childhood years of his nine-year-old daughter Jiang Muyan, a potential star guitarist.

For most of his life, he’s played music for people in all corners of the world. But this time, his daughter will be his only audience.

Chuanzi and Muyan under the Banyan tree /CGTN Photo

For the girl’s summer vacation, Chuanzi and Muyan embark on a musical journey together, singing their hearts out to each other as they travel west along the country’s highways.

One of the destinations Chuanzi longs to reach with Muyan is Bamei Village in Yunnan Province, a rustic village which he believes to be one of the most primitive but beautiful in China.

Scenery of Bamei Village /CGTN Photo

In the early part of his career, he was greatly inspired by the village’s well-preserved traditional culture and lifestyle, which he translated into musical elements in his works.

Chuanzi performing with local people /CGTN Photo

Now, he is eager to share those experiences and memories with his daughter. However, to his disappointment, the things he cherished most about the village have disappeared.

The wooden houses symbolizing the unique features of local people have given way to cold, modern structures. Chuanzi is upset that he was unable to share with his daughter one of the most important experiences in his life.

Chuanzi outside a Bamei house /CGTN PHoto

Fortunately, music can conquer all. And he is pleasantly surprised to see that the Banyan tree that once inspired him still stands where it used to. Now, the old tree can witness his happiest moment once again, but this time, playing music together with his daughter.

The changes in Bamei disappoint the romantic father but take away nothing from the young daughter’s exposure to the natural landscape. With the help of her father, Muyan, surrounded by the rice fields, is able to hear the wind passing, the leaves falling, and the call of a cricket.

Chuanzi and Muyan sitting in the rice field /CGTN Photo

There is much more to this father-and-daughter musical journey than just music, interesting and touching, provoking and inspiring, "The Music Highway" makes for some of the most joyful and emotional viewing available today on CGTN.