The commercial hub of Hong Kong was recently wrapped in the intoxicating sounds of traditional Chinese music. The second International Guzheng Contest was held in Hong Kong with established musicians and young hopefuls sharing the spotlight.

Guzheng, the Chinese plucked zither with 18 to 23 strings, is a key instrument in a traditional Chinese orchestra.

The contest boasts a cosmopolitan jury panel which is comprised of nine established instrumentalists, who came from countries and regions like the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.

Repertoire pieces like "Combating Typhoon", created and popularized in the 1960s, was performed.

Fan Weci, an instrumentalist from Taiwan performed her newly composed piece "Night Demon." She has increased the traditional 21 strings to as many as 39, greatly enhancing the range and capability of the instrument.

The 310 finalists were selected from more than six thousand professional and amateur musicians from around the world. The event also shows the ever increasing appeal of the instrument around the globe.