On August 27, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the United States and the State Council Information Office of China co-hosted the "Experience China — A Symphony of Stories on China-U.S. People-to-People Friendship" event, revisiting the deep friendship forged between the Chinese and American people during the World Anti-Fascist War through the innovative form of "symphony & immersive storytelling". Ambassador Xie Feng attended the event and delivered remarks.

Recalling the history of Chinese and American people fighting side by side against fascism for peace and justice, Ambassador Xie called on all to pay tribute to history, and remember the vital contribution made by the main Eastern battlefield; to pay tribute to friendship, and cherish the inseparable bond formed between the two peoples in the flames of war; and to pay tribute to the future, and build mighty momentum for people-to-people exchanges.

The event took place in an innovative format of "symphony & immersive storytelling", accompanied by the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra. With the symphony serving as a bridge, the event combined classic melodies with key historical narratives to revisit the cherished moments when the two peoples supported each other during the war.

Ningbo Symphony Orchestra started with the classic piece The Butterfly Lovers, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ningbo, Zhejiang to the American audience and conveying the emotional depth of Chinese stories through its melodies. The pieces were carefully selected by the Orchestra, including Western classical works such as American by Antonin Dvorak and Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber, as well as Chinese pieces such as Chinese Sights and Sounds: Song of Riddles, The Broad Bean Song, and Jasmine Flower. The Orchestra's high-quality and touching performance presented a timeless ode to friendship and underscored the unique value of music as a "universal language" for fostering mutual understanding between civilizations.

At the end of the event, all the guests joined in singing Auld Lang Syne, and the audience was deeply moved.

"This event is truly moving and memorable!" said Ms. ZHANG Lili, Council Chairwoman of the Union of Chinese American Professional Organizations (UCAPO). "The accompaniment of an orchestra from my home country, China, made me feel especially touched and connected. In particular, at this special moment, every melody seemed to tell a story from history. Listening to the music, we were able to reflect on those arduous years and gain a deeper appreciation for the value of peace and the strength of our nation."

After watching the performance, Professor Chinta of Columbia University said that he not only gained an in-depth understanding of the joint efforts of China and the U.S. during the World Anti-Fascist War, but also learned a profound historical lesson. These valuable historical memories are a shared legacy of the two peoples and a source of strength for the stable and sound development of China-U.S. relations today. Professor Chinta also spoke highly of the Orchestra's professionalism, saying, "The Orchestra's performance is extraordinary, and I can feel the virtuosity and vigor of these talented young musicisians."

The event will also be staged at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, using music as a bridge to continue deepening people-to-people exchanges between China and the U.S., and bringing fresh vitality to their friendship in the new era.

(Source: Yongpai, Ningbo Symphony Orchestra)