On the morning of February 1st local time, the fourth day of the Chinese New Year, the Ximen Yingge Team from Shantou, Guangdong, offered a cultural feast to the people in Lyon, France, after performing in Hanau and Frankfurt, Germany. The troupe brought the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year and the spirit of spring to the local community, while also showcasing the rich history and unique charm of Chinese traditional culture to the French audience.
In the heart of downtown Lyon, the troupe marched with confidence, filling the streets with the sounds of drums, cheers, and applause. The crowd gathered in large numbers, captivated by the energetic performance. The Chinese audience waved the five-star red flag, while residents of Lyon eagerly took photos with the Yingge dancers. The troupe also spread New Year's blessings by handing out red envelopes to the audience, along with an invitation to “Come to Guangdong to celebrate the Chinese New Year!”
Lyon, France's third-largest city, was once called the "Silk Capital of Europe." Its Old Town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, and it is home to many cultural landmarks such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Lyon City Hall, and the Lyon Opera House. In 2006, the Yingge dance was included in the first batch of China's national intangible cultural heritages. This performance marked a “historical dialogue” between Chinese and Western cultural heritage.
On the same day, the troupe visited the Lyon City Hall and other locations to engage in cultural exchanges.
Vincent, a local resident of Lyon, shared his appreciation for the performance: "I think the Yingge dance not only has beautiful costumes but also carries significant historical meaning, showing the courage of the Chinese people." Vincent, who speaks fluent Chinese and is a fan of the Chinese classic Water Margin, added, "I've lived in Foshan, Guangdong, and it's a warm-hearted place with lots of delicious food. I recommend all my French friends to visit Guangdong!"
This cultural exchange not only showcased Chinese heritage but also brought the peoples of the two countries closer through the traditional performance.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Poster: Deng Yingheng
Video Editing: Deng Yingheng
Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, Petter (Special Correspondent)
Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He