Odes to Spring: A Sino-French poetry symphony in Paris

The performances at the event integrated the rhythms of nature with the human experience. Traditional Chinese musical instruments — including the guqin, xiao, and xun — provided a subtle and elegant soundscape that complemented the spoken word.

Beyond the stage, an interactive AI ink-wash painting experience area allowed attendees to see their own improvised lines of poetry transformed into ink art in real-time via AI. A calligraphy experience zone also proved popular, letting French participants appreciate the beauty of Chinese characters.

Poet Dominique-Jeanne Perrin remarked on the profound power of poetry, stating it belongs to the world and unites people in their shared pursuit of beauty. Monique Viscogliosi noted the seamless blend of poetry and music, saying that even without understanding every word, the emotion and rhythm conveyed the work's warmth and tension.

The event was a key part of the "Nihao! China" – "Odes to Spring" Poetry and Tourism Promotion series organized by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Running from Feb 20 to March 1, 2026, the series travels to Paris, Belgrade, and Budapest, using poetry, song, calligraphy, and music as a platform for intercultural dialogue.