The erhu exhibition area for Wuxi's Meicun town is popular at the musical instruments trade show Music China 2019. The fans crowded into take a peek on Oct 10 in Shanghai. [Photo/js.chinanews.com]

A total of 10 firms producing the traditional Chinese instrument the erhu -- from Wuxi's Meicun town -- are taking part in the musical instruments trade show Music China 2019, which kicked off on Oct 10 in Shanghai.

The event, now in its 18th year, is supported by the China Musical Instrument Association. It runs to Oct 13.

Organizers said the event brings together more than 2,300 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, who  display their products in the 145,000-square-meter exhibition space of the Shanghai International Expo Centre.

Meicun town is famous as the birthplace of the erhu and today is home to 18 workshops producing approximately 40,000 instruments a year.

Erhu players put their heart and soul into a performance during the Music China 2019 in Shanghai on Oct 10. [Photo/js.chinanews.com]

The town's stand, located in a central place, is displaying the exquisite craftsmanship and aesthetic design of Meicun's erhus and it is inviting players to perform the traditional instrument.

Meicun-made erhu account for nearly 25 percent of China's entire erhu market, with Gu Yue, Guang Guo and other companies have gained worldwide attention.

Visitors to the expo are allowed to try the instruments and place orders.

The expo is also featuring more than 70 forums, over 100 speeches and 600 indoor and outdoor performances.