Nestled in Fujian Province’s misty hills, Kuliang – a 19th-century summer retreat for Fuzhou’s international community – is rewriting history through music 🎵. This week, over 1,000 young voices from China and the U.S. launched the 2025 ‘Singing for Peace’ Choir Festival, proving cultural bonds can outlast political storms 🌪️.
From Childhood Memories to Global Harmony
The festival’s stage sits where American expats once built villas alongside local villagers. One touching story? Milton Gardner’s lifelong nostalgia for his 1920s Kuliang childhood – a homesickness so strong his widow Elizabeth finally brought his ashes here in 1992, aided by Chinese authorities 🤝.
🎤 Youth Take the Mic
‘This isn’t just about perfect pitch,’ says 18-year-old participant Li Meiying. ‘When we harmonize Amazing Grace with UCLA’s choir, you feel history healing.’ Nearly 30 youth choirs are collaborating on fusion pieces blending Chinese folk melodies with American gospel 🎼.
Why This Matters Now 🌐
As APEC members navigate complex ties, initiatives like this festival keep dialogue alive through art. ‘Kuliang’s magic is its power to turn strangers into family,’ notes cultural historian Dr. Zhang Wei. With plans to expand student exchange programs, this musical bridge shows no signs of fading out 🎶.
