WUZHISHAN, China, May 13, 2025 — In May, the Wuzhishan Li & Miao Children’s Choir, consisting of nearly 20 members from central Hainan Island, China, embarked on another cultural exchange trip to France.
On May 9 (local time), nearly 300 attendees gathered outside Café de la Danse in Paris to witness a performance celebrating the friendship between China and France. A highlight of the show was the alternating performances of “Sing Wuzhishan to France” in both Chinese and French, which led to audience participation with clapping. The event concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Monica, a French audience member, conveyed her excitement and appreciation for the cultural exchange.
The Wuzhishan Li & Miao Children’s Choir, Le Choeur des Polysons, La Chorale Chin’harmonie, and Association Vent d’Orient Vent d’Occident jointly prepared the repertoire for the performance.
Elisabeth Trigo, head of Le Choeur des Polysons, stated, “Last May, we celebrated 60 years of Sino-French diplomacy through song. Last October, Le Choeur des Polysons performed in Wuzhishan, allowing children to connect through music and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures. I am deeply touched by our reunion in Paris today.”
Another notable moment was the collaboration between Huang Hailin, an inheritor of Hainan’s intangible cultural heritage (the nose flute), and Matthieu Lecoq, a musician from the Opéra de Paris. Matthieu uses the flute to express his appreciation for Wuzhishan’s history and mythology. He commented, “It is a great pleasure to collaborate with her for the first time and discover the synergy between Chinese and Western music.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. According to the Publicity Department of the Wuzhishan Municipal Party Committee, an organizer of the event, the Wuzhishan Li & Miao Children’s Choir also visited UNESCO headquarters, the Cinémathèque Française, and a local primary school. These visits provided opportunities to observe global heritage, experience French arts, and promote cultural exchange.
Hainan boasts rich natural and cultural resources, making it a prime candidate for UNESCO recognition of ‘Hainan Tropical Rainforest and the Traditional Settlement of Li Ethnic Group’. Wang Ying, Deputy Delegate of the Chinese Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, expressed hope that Hainan will integrate resources and strengthen the protection and innovative development of its intangible cultural heritage.
Source: The Publicity Department of Wuzhishan Municipal Committee
CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. Wang, Tel: 86-10-63074558
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