Chinese and Peruvian artists shared the stage to deliver a special song during the China Media Group (CMG)'s 2025 Spring Festival Gala, leaving audiences in awe through a delightful collision of cultures.
The performance was one of the many cultural highlights staged during the hours-long variety show which was broadcast live on Tuesday night on the eve of the Chinese New Year.
Four artists, including Chinese singer Zhou Shen, Peruvian operatic tenor Juan Diego Florez, Chinese suona musician Niu Jiandang and Peruvian pan flute artist Lucho Quequezana, together graced the stage to perform the musical number which drew on influences from both countries.
The performance blended a traditional Chinese folk song from the northwestern Shaanxi Province called "Lan Huahua", or 'orchid', and a popular Peruvian orchestral musical piece called "El Condor Pasa," which has been recognized as part of Peru's national cultural heritage.
Viewers were treated to the sounds of two traditional instruments from both countries, creating a cross-cultural fusion stretching across the Pacific Ocean.
After the Spring Festival's recent inscription on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, this year's gala show has integrated more elements of intangible cultural heritage, creating a cultural feast for global audiences.
Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's most-watched annual TV program, the hours-long television extravaganza attracts over a billion views every year.
The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, falls on Wednesday this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake.
Ties between China and Peru have deepened in recent times, with the opening of Peru's Chancay Port, an important infrastructure project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which was inaugurated during President Xi Jinping's visit to Peru in November, standing as testament to the strong relationship between the two sides.
Chinese, Peruvian artists captivate audience at Spring Festival Gala with collision of cultures
Chinese, Peruvian artists captivate audience at Spring Festival Gala with collision of cultures
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
