Jean-Michel Jarre kicked off the Year of France in China last night, and 13,000 people joined him in person.
The seats were filled at the former imperial palace where the electronic music virtuoso performed in a concert that was beamed live around the nation, including two huge screens in public areas in Beijing.
Li Jiyan said he attended Jarre's concert in Beijing in 1981, and was happy to see the musician in person again.
'The series of events will enhance the understanding of the Chinese towards France. It will enable us to know it more than being a romantic place,' said the Beijing teacher at the opening concert.
It ended in Tiananmen Square after a five-minute intermission to transport Jarre by motorcycle to the southern end of the square
The event came after the Year of China was held in France from October last year until July.
People in China will immerse themselves in French culture, from architecture to music and fashion.