The majestic Chinese civilization, with its ancient charm and millennia-old cultural legacy, resonates like the harmonious sound of qin and se, echoing through the depths of time. At the Shanghai High School International Division, students, and teachers of Grades 4 and 5 expressed their profound affection and reverence for traditional culture through a cultural performance titled " Enchanting China, Loving China." In this majestic land, our emotions are closely linked with ancient civilization, like roots intertwined with leaves, together writing the enduring sentiments of the Chinese people.

A Melody of Home, A Song of Emotion

The cultural performance commenced with two foreign teachers reciting Chinese poems with rhythmic intonation. The rhyme of ancient poetry, akin to the sound of an old qin, traversed time and space, touching the heartstrings of every listener. Following this, Grade 5 students performed classic nursery rhymes in Shanghai dialect. The familiar words and authentic pronunciation, coupled with the children’s lively actions and delicate expressions, transported the audience to the bustling alleys of Shanghai, feeling the unique charm of the dialect.

A Glimpse Back, A Dream of Connection

At the beginning of this semester, students in Grade 5 Class H delved into the book "Chang'an City of the Tang Dynasty," immersing themselves in the thousand-year history. Using "time travel" as a theme, they wrote, directed, and performed a play titled "An Extraordinary Encounter in the Tang Dynasty," taking the audience on a journey to experience the splendor and grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Weeks of meticulous writing, clever planning, and dedicated filming culminated in today’s grand screen debut. The students wove enchanting stories with their imaginative ideas, demonstrating both creativity and respect for history. During interviews, every member of the crew expressed their love and enjoyment of creating Chinese stories. One student mentioned that their original plan was for the protagonist to time travel after falling asleep, but upon seeing a revolving door on set, they improvised and had the protagonist travel through the door, adding mystery and visual impact to their work. Another student shared how they adjusted and optimized countless times to capture the perfect moment. These valuable experiences gave them a deep appreciation for teamwork and relentless pursuit, bringing a sense of accomplishment. The marvelous performances were also made possible with the help of parent volunteers, who the students gratefully thanked for supporting on-site filming.

The Essence of Ancient Capitals

The fourth-grade students conducted in-depth explorations on the eight ancient capitals of China from various angles and presented their findings on stage. In groups, they reenacted Zheng He’s grand voyages, told the story of the ancient owl-shaped zun of FuHao, and recreated the dramatic events of the Xuanwumen Incident. The essence of tea culture wafted from the dreams of Lin’an, the grandeur of the Hall of Supreme Harmony stood tall in the Imperial City, and the finely carved statues of the Longmen Grottoes had weathered the millennia on the outskirts of Luoyang. The serene shadows of Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou and the vibrant scenes of Bianjing depicted in "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" were vividly narrated by the students, guiding the audience across the vast expanse of China’s landscapes and history.

Melodies of Silk and Bamboo, A Tune of Emotion

The sounds of silk and bamboo filled the air. Through singing, the essence of traditional melodies was expressed. The flowing melodies of "Moonlit Lotus Pond," the resonant notes of "Red Singer," and the elegant tones of "Jasmine Flower" formed the main theme of the fourth chapter. Fourth-grade students, performing an excerpt from the Peking opera "Selling Water," wore magnificent costumes and showcased the charm and agility of the dan role with their singing, speech, acting, and acrobatics, earning rounds of applause from the audience. The instrumental performances were equally captivating, with classical Chinese-style pieces like "Blue and White Porcelain," "The Orchid Pavilion," "Fishermen's Evening Song," and "Flower Yet Not" performed in succession. The grand finale saw all teachers and students sing "Climbing Mount Spring," bringing the atmosphere to a climax.

A Beautiful Shadow, A Dance of Affection

A dream took us to Dunhuang, spanning a millennium briefly. With the eloquent storytelling of three fifth-grade students, the mysterious veil of Dunhuang was gently lifted, as stories long forgotten in the desert seemed to come to life before our eyes. Their narration opened the door to an ancient civilization with the turn of a key. Afterwards, the Grade 4-5 classical dance troupe performed "Kalavinka," inspired by the mythical bird from Buddhist lore, with a human head and bird’s body, often depicted as stepping on lotus flowers. The Kalavinka, a symbol of auspiciousness and beauty, is an important emblem in Dunhuang culture. As the music played, dancers resembled figures from murals, depicting the profound and intricate cultural heritage of millennia with their graceful movements. Every action seemed to narrate Dunhuang’s history and legends, drawing the audience into a fantastical and mysterious realm. The Kalavinka depicted in the murals seemed to awaken from the teacups of Dunhuang, gracefully displaying the ancient charm on stage.

In this cultural performance," Enchanting China, Loving China", the students and teachers used recitations, songs, dances, speeches, and dramas to vividly showcase the profundity and extensivity of Chinese culture. Each presentation was a beautiful scroll, guiding the audience through rich historical and cultural dreams. The melodies of hometowns, the essence of ancient capitals, the emotional tunes of silk and bamboo, and the graceful dance shadows together wove a song of praise for the Chinese people, highlighting our deep affection and infinite love for traditional culture. On this poetic land, we collectively guard the sincere "Heart of China," letting Chinese civilization radiate even brighter in the new era.

Written by Zhu Yiwei, Wu Yin

Pictures by Teachers of G4-5, Minxuan Cao,

Edited by Luo Cong, Bianca Noguera