BEIJING, July 29 (Xinhuanet) -- Switzerland's Mount Tracouet is hosting the world's largest alphorn festival.

The traditional wooden instrument survived near-extinction in the 19th century and is now trying to make a comeback.

The annual event attracts players from all over the world who come to test their skills high in the mountains.

The hills are alive with the sound of music.

More than 3 thousand people brave the heights of Switzerland's Mount Tracouet for the world's largest alphorn festival.

150 players are taking part in the 13th edition of the event.

The wooden alphorn was originally used by shepherds to gather herds in the mountains from the 16th century on. Today, Switzerland has around 4,000 players from all over the world.

This French player has been coming to the festival for nine years, having bought his first alphorn in 2005.

Guest of honour at this year's festival is Romania.

The traditional "tulnic" resembles an alphorn without the final upward curve. It is still being played there.

Romanian player Argentina Floca has played the tulnic since her youth.

She says she enjoys the international opportunities the festival offered.

Tourists follow the call of the traditional instrument to join alphorn enthusiasts on the mountainside, despite the misty weather.

The festival will run for three days with an alphorn contest. It provides a boom for tourism in the tiny city of Nendaz.

(Source: CNTV.cn)