As the sun began to set, the stage of the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theatre came alive with the performance of the Sichuan opera piece “Bei Mang Mountain.” After the song concluded, two more performers took the stage to showcase the classic art of face-changing, captivating the audience of foreign attendees who applauded and cheered enthusiastically.
On October 9th, the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of Chongqing organized a special event titled “Foreigners in Chongqing Meet the People’s Congress.” This event welcomed around 30 distinguished guests, including foreign consular officials, leaders from foreign business associations and enterprises based in Chongqing, foreign journalists, teachers, and students.
During the evening at the Sichuan Opera Theatre, attendees listened intently as discussions revolved around the collaborative legislative measures aimed at preserving and promoting Sichuan opera. The conversation delved into critical questions about the art form’s future, including “who will perform it,” “what will be performed,” and “who will be the audience.”
The Consul General of Hungary in Chongqing, Mr. Baile, expressed his views, stating that China’s practice of comprehensive people’s democracy provides valuable insights for other nations, especially those with diverse social cultures and multiple ethnic groups.
Interviewed on the sidelines of the event, the Consul General of Italy in Chongqing, Mr. Shiqifan, shared his keen interest in how Chongqing is attracting investment and fostering cooperation across various fields. He highlighted that for foreigners living in Chongqing, particularly Europeans like himself, events like these offer a better understanding of the workings of the People’s Congress and strengthen their deeper insights into China.
Chen Wei, a student from Rwanda at Chongqing University, also reflected on his experience. Having lived in China for eight years, this was his first immersive encounter with Sichuan opera. He described it not just as a performance art but as a symbol of Chongqing’s rich cultural heritage, noting, “As Chongqing rapidly develops, it still cherishes its traditional culture.”
