French students practice drumming in Taiyuan, North China's Shanxi province. [Photo by Niu Shuai/China Daily]

Youths from Saint-Denis of France traveled a long distance to Taiyuan, North China's Shanxi province, to learn the art of drumming. The 13 students practiced authentic techniques on traditional Taiyuan Weifeng drums under a master from a local drumming troupe. These young French students can play out the power and essence of the Taiyuan folk art after just a week's time.

Taiyuan and Saint-Denis developed a sister city relationship in 2012. Traditional Chinese culture has influenced Saint-Denis and the city now hosts Chinese cultural festivals.