Martin Li

    martin.mouse@163.com

    EXPATS earned repeated applauses for their various Chinese-style performances at the semifinal of the fourth Shenzhen Expat Chinese Talent Competition on Saturday.

    They sang Chinese songs, recited Chinese poems and even wrote Chinese calligraphy in the competition.

    Shin Moonsub from South Korea recited a Chinese poem “Jiangjinjiu.” Moonsub used a combination of soft and hard tones, loud and low voices, in an effort to express the meaning of the poem.

    Joseph Freisinger from the United States played guitar and sang the popular Chinese song “Old Boys.” His soft voice touched the audience, who offered their applause.

    Even more surprising Adam Kier from Denmark played an erhu, the traditional two-stringed, bowed Chinese instrument.

    Expats said they hoped to express their love of Chinese culture through the performances.

    Eight expats will compete in the final slated for Thursday.

    This year’s competition started at the end of September and attracted more than 300 expats from more than 40 countries and regions.

    Shenzhen has seen its expat population grow for several years. Statistics from the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau show there are about 500,000 expats from 115 countries and regions living in the city.

    The annual event was organized by the Information Office of Shenzhen Municipal Government, the Futian District Foreign Affairs Office and Shenzhen Daily.