How long has it been since you last heard or sang a nursery rhythm?

Probably too long to even remember exactly.

At the Beijing Library, a new landmark in Tongzhou district, visitors have the chance to hear nursery rhythms popular in the city centuries ago, all the way back to the 12th century.

As they listen, visitors are presented with an immersive environment, and can stand under suspended sound installations modeled after bird cages, while a nearby digital screen shows street scenes during all four seasons on rotation.

This peek into the city's history through music lies at the heart of A Tour of Beijing in Sound, a long-term exhibition through which the Beijing Library hopes to offer different perspectives on getting to know the capital's traditions through different kinds of music, including recordings of folk songs, imperial music, and Chinese operas.

Music lovers will also be able to find dozens of vinyl records produced between 1903 and 1964 featuring songs about Beijing.

Live performances are another way the Beijing Library has reached out to the public. Jazz artist Su Shaonan gave a concert of pieces he has composed and classic melodies, the inclusivity and diversity of jazz enriching the public experiences of music.