A choir of girls from Daliang Mountain in southwest China's Sichuan Province will perform a traditional folk song on the main stage of the 2025 Spring Festival Gala in Beijing on Tuesday night.
The choir titled "Niuniu", meaning little girl in Chinese, was established by Jibu Xiaolong, the music teacher of the young singers at the Central Primary School of Dacao Town, Puge County in Sichuan.
Their clear voices and pure smiles have recently captivated the practice hall during a rehearsal break of the gala.
"It's actually a bumpy journey from Daliang Mountain. We took a long bus ride to Xichang, and then switched to plane to come here. Many children kept vomiting during the trip. And then, we have received attention and care. Although the weather is cold in the north, our hearts feel warm. The children have also quickly recovered, so we are very happy," he said.
Jibu highlighted that the majority of the choir members are children of migrant workers, and have found a sense of empowerment and self-assurance through their participation in the choir, transforming from shy and introverted to confident individuals.
Li Shuhui, director of singing programs at the gala, can still recall the debut of the Niuniu Choir at the rehearsal over a month ago.
"They were wearing all kinds of clothes. There were sweaters, shirts and T-shirts. When we got to the stage, there was only very basic light. All the girls stood in a small group and then sang the song, without neat movements or well combed hair. But many directors wept and were deeply moved. They are so simple and sincere, which makes their performance very touching. From the beginning, we have been simplifying the design of their program, from the shape of the stage to their formation, as well as the children's movements. At first, they were supposed to wear makeup, but now, they basically wear no makeup. They will be on the stage just after simple face cleaning, after getting up. We have been guiding the children to perform like they are not on a stage but a mountain and are singing to the distant moon," Li said.
The gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been held since 1983 and aired live on the eve of the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival. It has become a fixture for many Chinese households as part of the country's largest annual holiday celebrations. The 2025 Spring Festival falls on Jan 29, which is the first day of the Year of the Snake.
Girls choir from Sichuan to perform mountain melodies at Spring Festival Gala
