A music event celebrating the upcoming 16th World Seafarers' Day kicks off in Zhoushan. [Photo/Zhoushan Daily]

More than 150 international seafarers from countries including Russia, Myanmar, and India gathered on Changtu Island in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on June 23 for a music event celebrating the upcoming 16th World Seafarers' Day on June 25.

The event featured live performances of Chinese songs and tunes from overseas, creating a cross-cultural atmosphere where music served as a shared language among participants.

The concert opened with the English classic Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli, followed by well-known tracks such as Take Me to Your Heart. Chinese pop songs were also performed, such as Sunshine in the Rain, which were warmly received by the audience.

Seafarers from various countries took to the stage to perform, expressing their experiences at sea and emotional ties to their hometowns through music.

Alongside the concert, a food market was set up offering traditional local dishes such as zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and seafood noodles, allowing visiting seafarers to experience Chinese food culture.

The event aimed to enhance cultural exchange between Chinese and international seafarers and support efforts to build a more welcoming and human-centered port environment in Zhoushan, as part of ongoing initiatives to host international maritime workers in the city.