Villagers stage concert in paddy field

Villagers from Zoumatang village, Jiangshan town, Ningbo's Yinzhou district stage a performance in a paddy field on April 24. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News] 

A concert was staged in a paddy field in Zoumatang village, Jiangshan town, Ningbo's Yinzhou district on April 24.

The concert marks the fruition of the concert's director Chen Qiyun's idea to use a paddy field as a stage.

Born in Yinzhou district, Chen, a national first-class director, was inspired by a similar performance staged in eastern Taiwan.

As an ancient village, Zhoumatang has more than 2,000-mu (133.3 hectares) in paddy fields. More than 100 performers took part in the concert, nearly 70 percent of which were residents of Zoumatang.

"There is a seed of art sleeping in everyone's heart. What I have to do is to awaken them," Chen said.

The show was also live streamed online, garnering nearly 500,000 views.

A singer performs accompanied by dancers during the concert held in a paddy field in Zoumatang village, Jiangshan town, Ningbo's Yinzhou district on April 24. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Performers celebrate when the concert comes to the end in Zoumatang village, Jiangshan town, Ningbo's Yinzhou district on April 24. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]