Dutch band Hippe Gasten at the Hand in Hand International Children's Music Festival in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province, on May 26, 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Every detail of the festival, from the sound levels and lights to the translated lyrics on the screen, is carefully designed with children in mind.

"We're getting a great response from the families who come to Hand in Hand. The kids love the music of course, and the parents have a great time too," Kanthor said. "I think that's something very new in China and our audiences are responding to that."

Children and parents enjoying music together at the Hand in Hand International Children's Music Festival in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province, on May 26, 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The music here is both recreational and educational, inviting children to have a good time while they learn positive values, such as generosity and kindness, through the lyrics.

"These are values that we as parents want to share with our kids, and music is a great way to get that message across to families, both during the show and later on when they talk about the festival together," Liu explained. "I knew that if we didn't make this festival, I'd regret it for the rest of my life. I want to change children's music in China. It's meaningful and it's worth all the effort it takes to put on this festival."

Over the next five years, Hand in Hand aims to bring the coolest bands for kids from 10 countries to 100 Chinese cities in China.

"We want kids and families all over China to hear this music and learn about the world through music," Liu said. "We hope to inspire Chinese musicians to create more inventive music for kids too and hopefully they can join our festival as well."