In a symbolic display of cross-cultural unity, 26 young singers from China and the United States joined voices on Thursday at Fuzhou’s Kuliang Mountain to perform John Lennon’s timeless peace anthem “Imagine.” The event, part of the “Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival,” transformed the historic site into a stage for shared aspirations.
Against a backdrop of lush forests and century-old villas – once frequented by American scholars and missionaries in the early 20th century – the choir’s harmonies bridged linguistic and cultural divides. Organizers emphasized the location’s significance as a historical meeting ground for Sino-American exchanges.
The festival aligns with recent efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations through artistic collaboration. “Music speaks where words fail,” remarked one participant from Beijing, highlighting the universal language of melody in fostering mutual understanding.
Analysts note such cultural initiatives gain renewed importance amid global geopolitical tensions, offering grassroots pathways for diplomacy. The performance concluded with participants exchanging handmade souvenirs featuring motifs from both countries.
