A Millennium-Old Ancient Town Embraces Global Flair: The Symphony of Sister City Partnerships Resounds Along Huanglongxi Riverside

From August 29 to 30, the themed concert of Shuangliu Sub-venue of the 2026 Chengdu International Sister Cities Youth Music Festival was held at the Intangible Cultural Heritage & National Tide Center in Huanglongxi Ancient Town. ‌During the event, 9 youth art troupes from countries and regions including Nicaragua, Russia, Malaysia and South Korea gathered at Huanglongxi, sharing the stage with local Shuangliu singers and inheritors of intangible cultural heritage. Together, they presented two cross-border music feasts for local citizens and tourists.

On the evening of August 29, the first main stage gala kicked off as dusk fell. ‌The Mancagua-Tiquiantepe Malinba Band from Nicaragua took the stage first. The crisp and ethereal tones of the marimba filled the air, and their performances ofPure Black BeautyandSong of the Birdsbrought the tropical flair of Central America sweeping over the audience, who swayed gently to the rhythm from the stands. The youth team from Moscow, Russia presented a string ensemble performance of Tchaikovsky'sRussian Danceand Rachmaninoff'sVocalise. The melodious classical melodies drifted between the upturned eaves of the ancient town, weaving playfully with the gurgling water of Huanglongxi. Penang Dance Rhythm Art Troupe from Malaysia performed the danceSplendid Nanyang. The soft grace of Nanyang dance moves blended seamlessly with the cultural charm of the Chinese ethnic community, and their gorgeous costumes swirled like blooming flowers under the stage lights. The team from Gimcheon Arts High School in South Korea presentedK-Rhythm, K-Dance, showing the powerful rhythm of Korean traditional drums. The dense drum beats fall like raindrops, and their dance steps are sharp and crisp, drawing bursts of cheers from the young audience below the stage.

The local performing forces are equally outstanding. Singer Zoyo from Shuangliu ignited the scene with the performance ofMade in Heaven, then delivered an emotional rendition ofThe Laurel Tree, with voice cutting clearly through the night sky. Singers Feng Jingran and Li Hongzhou jointly presented the original songChengdu Jincheng, whose familiar Sichuan-style tones made many audience members hum along.

The most breathtaking moment of the entire gala was undoubtedly the finale intangible cultural heritage performanceFire Dragon Illuminating Yingge- the fiery scene of Huanglongxi's Millennium-old Fire Dragon Lantern Dance was presented on stage in its original authentic form. The dragon dancers darted and leaped through the sky of flying iron sparks, as molten hot iron was tossed into the night sky and turned into a shower of golden rain, drawing the most distinctively Bashu-style full stop for the whole show.

Many tourists came specifically here. Mr. Zhang, a visitor from Chengdu urban area, said with a smile:"I have spent two days hanging out in Huanglongxi. Wandering around the ancient town in the daytime and watching the performances at night - it’s absolutely perfect!""The Music Festival is far more than just a series of shows; it’s a genuine cultural dialogue," a young Nicaraguan musician at the scene told reporters through an interpreter. This is his first visit to Southwest China, he added,"The ancient architecture in Huanglongxi is so stunning. Playing the marimba here feels like two ancient cultures are having a conversation."

‌It is learned that Chengdu International Sister Cities Youth Music Festivals have been held for many consecutive years, and serve as a key youth cultural exchange brand between Chengdu and its international sister cities. Shuangliu Sub-venue, leveraging the unique historical and cultural setting of Huanglongxi Ancient Town, innovatively integrates international music with local intangible cultural heritage, allowing tourists to experience a"world-class stage right at their doorstep" within the millennium-old ancient town. The two-day event attracted thousands of local citizens and tourists to attend the performances on site, and many of them expressed that"they will come back again next year". (Text/Images by Liu Xianhu, Qin Haoran)

Translated by: Zhang Feng from Jinan University

Reviewed by: Mao Min from Beijing Yooyi Culture and Media Com., Ltd.