The stage, where a 214-hour non-stop singing activity will be held, is revealed in Hangzhou, capital of southeastern China's Zhejiang Province, on Sunday, December 23, 2007. [Photo: HF365.com]

Hangzhou residents will usher in 2008 with the sound of KTV, if a plan to break the Guiness World Record for non-stop singing is completed successfully.

An attempt to set a new record for marathon karaoke singing began early Tuesday morning in Hangzhou, with pop stars, tourists and citizens all pitching in toward the effort, local newspaper Zhejiang Daily reported.

At 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, two-time Olympic champion weightlifter Zhan Xugang sang the first song next to the city's most famous scenic spot, West Lake, to start the event. Local singer Ying Hao, composer Li Quan, model Li Ai, and CCTV host Li Hai soon followed suit.

More than 3,000 people will take part in this celebration over the next 9 days and nights. They must continuously sing for 214 hours, or they won't exceed the previous record, set in Japan.

The feat requires diligence and precision, so participants have been divided into five groups to sing roughly 4,000 songs.

The oldest participant is 84 years old.