Chinese and French children pose for a group photo. Photo： Screenshot from CCTV

In a heart-warming musical event that took place in Paris on Monday, a children's chorus from China joined a children's chorus from France to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"If I go to China... passing through Shanghai, then heading to the Great Wall…at noon, arriving at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor... on a lovely night, amidst the Himalayas…to touch the giant pandas… to go to Xizang, paying homage to Lhasa in the valleys… standing at the top of Mount Qomolangma, embracing the world with a gesture..." This was the sincere response conveyed by a group of children from France through their song. 

The children from both China and France sang the duet "If I go to China," interpreting the message of "harmony and unity, a shared world," expressing the French children's affection for China.

As soon as the song ended, the Chinese children followed up with their own verse, singing, "I have a wish, to sing all over the world, give me a pair of wings, I want to fly with a peace dove, to the beautiful homeland of the Little Prince..."

Holding hands in friendship, the children from China and France blessed both countries with their voices. The innocent voices of the children reverberated in the sky, crossing over the oceans. 

Netizens were touched by the clips featuring the performance. One commented, "Really beautiful voice. China-France friendship lasts forever."

Netizens expressed their welcome for the French children to visit China, but also kindly reminded that the schedule is "too tight" according to the lyrics.

From May 3 to 8, a cultural exchange delegation consisting of around 30 members from the Chinese children's chorus and related personnel visited Paris to engage in cultural exchange activities. This was the first time the children's chorus performed abroad.

Ten-year-old Wang Yanlin is a member of the chorus. After the performance, she said, "There were quite a few in the audience today, and I was a little bit nervous. When I get nervous, I would silently recite in my heart, and this is my own experience that helps me calm down and complete the performance smoothly."

"Our group will be performing seven songs during the tour, including two sung in French," said Liu Min, the chorus's instructor and composer.

Global Times