In one of the online programs, Bedroom Producer, indie musicians get the chance to upload their new works made at home.

"On the face of it the viral outbreak has cast a shadow over everyone's lives, but on the other hand perhaps it gives us all a chance to slow down and think about what we're doing," Zhu says.

Zhu, who expanded Vox to Changsha, Hunan province, in 2017, and Chongqing, in 2018, says he has received moving messages of support from Vox patrons saying they look forward to attending a show in Vox Wuhan in the near future and celebrating the outbreak's end.

"Music is important to people. Gathering in one place and sharing the energy music brings a fantastic experience for all of us."

Qiao Yina, better known by her stage name, Jojo, the leading vocalist of the Beijing band Finger Family, said on Sina Weibo on Feb 8: "I really miss the food in Wuhan and the cats in Vox. I miss touring and hope we can get together soon."

Another Vox aficionado said on Sina Weibo: "Summers in Wuhan are very hot. When summer comes, everything will be OK hopefully. I want to drink beer and watch shows in Vox."