BEIJING, Jan. 26 -- What sound is most representative of Shanghai? Fireworks on New Year's Eve? The screeching brakes of a bus? Hawkers trying to convince tourists to buy knock-off Rolex watches?

    The British Consulate and the Shanghai Oriental Publicity Service Center have set up a competition to answer that question.

    They are asking local residents to make a recording of the sounds that best represent Shanghai and then explain why those sounds symbolize the city. The contest, which was launched yesterday, will run through the end of February.

    Similar contests have already been held in Beijing, Chongqing and Guangzhou. One of the winning sounds in Guangzhou was the noise from a construction site.

    Jeff Streeter, deputy director of the British Consulate General's Cultural and Education Section, says Shanghai is the style capital of China.

    "The exciting project offers ordinary citizens opportunities to explore the sounds around them and then pick up the most representative sound of Shanghai," he said.

    Contestants must record the sound and provide an explanation of why it represents the city before February 28. MP3 files of the sound and an explanation of 100 words or less can be submitted by e-mail (dfxj@dfxj.gov.cn) or to a Website (www.dfxj.gov.cn). Entries can also be mailed to 1800 Huaihai Road M., or contestants can phone 1684-5008 and describe the sound and why it is symbolic of the city.

    The 50 best entries will be chosen by a jury and then made public in March. A second round of voting by the public will pick the 10 most symbolic sounds in April.

    Prizes, including scholarships will be offered to the winners, but details haven't been announced yet.

    (source: Shanghai Daily)