The final of the first-ever country music contest in China is staged in the Ningbo Botanical Garden on July 12. [Photo/Ningbo Evenings News]

The final of the first-ever country music contest in China was staged in the Ningbo Botanical Garden on July 12, according to local media reports.

A total of 10 contestants stood out from more than 200 entrants and qualified for the final, which consisted of two rounds. The first round saw singer-songwriters perform their original works, while the second round saw them improvise new songs. 

Notably, three of the 10 finalists are from Ningbo, and the final was judged by a panel of professional musicians including Jiang Jianmin, guitarist for the band of Taiwan singer-songwriter Chyi Chin and Xie Qidi, music director of NetEase Cloud Music. 

After a two-hour competition, Yang Mingyi, who once participated in the Sing My Song, a hit Chinese reality show broadcasted on Zhejiang TV, won the championship, while Hu Ziyue, a contestant in Sound of My Dream, another reality talent show broadcasted on Zhejiang TV, and Uncle Yang Ye (stage name) took home the second prize. The third prizes went to the Black House band, Li Qiuwen and Ou Xin.

Winners of the contest will soon kick off a national tour to cities such as Hangzhou, Jinhua, Suzhou and Wuxi. 

Audiences enjoy the concert staged in the Ningbo Botanical Garden on July 12. [Photo/Ningbo Evenings News]