Hainan children's choir connects with France

At a recent event organized by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Ruhan, a member of the Li and Miao Ethnic Children's Chorus, extended an invitation to Lucia ?kvareninova, economic counselor of the Slovak embassy in Beijing, to visit her hometown — Shuiman township in Wuzhishan, Hainan province.

This exchange took place on Dec 4, showcasing the cultural connections and international outreach of young performers.

The children's chorus, established in August 2022, is made up mainly of students from the Li and Miao ethnic groups. Surrounded by the natural beauty of green mountains and clear waters during their upbringing, the children never imagined that their passion for singing would lead them to stages around the world.

In a notable international engagement in May, the choir traveled to France to participate in the 60th-anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between China and France alongside the Paris children's choir Le Choeur des Polysons, known for singing the song Si j'allais en Chine ("If I had the opportunity to go to China"). During this event, 18 Li and Miao children dressed in traditional ethnic attire performed Sing Wuzhishan to France in both French and Chinese. Subsequently, in October, the Paris choir reciprocated the visit by traveling to Hainan and reuniting with their friends for a memorable weeklong cultural exchange.

Wang Ruhan, 12, cherishing the moments of connection with her French peers, enjoys weekend conversations across borders. She said that during one such chat, she showcased the scenery of her mountainous hometown to her friends. Her friend Lina in France serenaded her with French songs, fostering a heartwarming bond transcending geographical distance.