On September 17th, during the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, the 2024 “Cultural China: The Moon Represents My Hometown” Mid-Autumn Gala was broadcast live to audiences around the globe. This special event provided an opportunity for overseas Chinese communities to reconnect with their roots and celebrate together under the luminous full moon.
The gala utilized a “cloud” platform, linking the main event in Zhejiang with international participants in Hungary, Austria, and Brazil. Artists from various locations collaborated in real-time performances, conveying the profound sense of homesickness shared by the overseas Chinese community and the heartfelt longing from their hometowns.
At the main venue in Zhejiang, students from Zhejiang University had a conversation with Academician Ye Peijian, the chief designer and commander of the Chang’e-1 satellite. Ye shared his insights on the development of China’s space industry and its future, inspiring students to be courageous explorers, embrace innovation, and seek scientific truths.
The evening was vibrant with the spirit of the diaspora. Polish dancer Szymon Pelczynski wowed the audience with “A Dream of Swords,” beautifully fusing traditional Chinese music with a classical sword dance. Meanwhile, Viennese singer Kelo performed “The Wind Rises,” offering hopeful wishes for a bright future for youth worldwide.
The “cloud” stage showcased a collaborative performance of “The Rising Moon Tide,” featuring the Hangzhou Opera and Dance Theater alongside the Hungarian Chinese Arts Troupe. This unique arrangement allowed one group to perform in Zhejiang while the other participated from Budapest, elegantly highlighting the enchanting nature of Chinese culture beyond borders. Additionally, a Portuguese singer from the São Paulo Chinese Arts Troupe joined international students from Zhejiang University in a multilingual rendition of “The Moon Represents My Heart,” brilliantly capturing the essence of Chinese romance.
Throughout the gala, overseas Chinese communities from France, Australia, Spain, Brazil, Cambodia, Japan, and more shared their Mid-Autumn wishes, fostering a sense of unity and collective longing among Chinese expatriates across the globe.
A representative from Zhejiang’s Overseas Chinese Affairs Office commented, “The 2024 ‘Cultural China: The Moon Represents My Hometown’ Mid-Autumn Gala expresses heartfelt emotions through song and dance, integrates cutting-edge digital technology, and showcases the interplay between culture and technology. It celebrates the harmonious fusion of Chinese and international art and enables overseas compatriots to appreciate the moon and enjoy the festival together, regardless of distance.”
