Unique buildings, local customs and practices in Nanjing County, Zhangzhou City of southeast China’s Fujian Province, have impressed some American artists during their visit on Tuesday.

Carla Canales, a well-known U.S. mezzo-soprano, was impressed by the construction skills and culture of Tulou, a type of large, enclosed and fortified communal earth residence of the Hakka.

“Tulou is round, representing the harmonious culture of China. Its shape also symbolizes embrace, which means sincerity and welcome,” said Canales after she visited Nanjing Tulou clusters.

American artists visit Tulou in Nanjing County, Fujian Province, May 30, 2023. (Photo/China News Service)

The American artist was also touched by the enthusiasm and simplicity of local people. During the visit, local residents invited her to their homes, giving her a chance to communicate.

“Only friends will be invited in so naturally,” she said. The artist also made pen friends with an 11-year-old student. “He can teach me Chinese.”

She said the visit enabled her to feel the opening, inclusiveness, and love of China, and she would share this with her American friends.

Carla Canales talks to a boy in Nanjing County, Fujian Province, May 29, 2023. (Photo/China News Service)

In addition to the Toulou, the artists also watched local plays like Throw An Embroidered Ball, which is a way used by a woman to pick a husband in traditional Chinese culture.

“This kind of art form is very special, and I am very happy to communicate and cooperate with local artists face to face,” said Tom Teasley, an American world percussionist.

As a birthplace of Hokkien culture, Zhangzhou has a rich cultural heritage with distinctive local characteristics. The city has actively promoted Chinese culture to the world and displayed the new image of Zhangzhou as a modern coastal city in recent years.

The American artists visited Zhangzhou for cultural exchanges from Saturday to Tuesday.