9. Musicians mark Beethoven's 250th birthday

This year marks the 250th birthday of the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, whose best gift to the world was his magnificent music.

To mark the anniversary, over 180 Chinese musicians performed in a 12-hour music concert, titled Beethoven Marathon, at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing from 10 am to 10 pm on Dec 12.

Musicians from Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei symphony orchestras, as well as the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra and Hong Kong String Orchestra, also played to commemorate the event.