A groundbreaking musical composition titled “Homecoming Across the Seas” is creating cultural waves this Spring Festival season, serving as an artistic bridge between Chinese traditions and global audiences. The innovative piece seamlessly blends Eastern cultural symbols with Western landmarks, creating a harmonious dialogue between civilizations through the universal language of music.
Crafted through the collaborative efforts of lyricists Huang Yichuan and Xie Hua, with musical composition by Fan Xin and Huang Yichuan, the song features performances by an international ensemble including members of the “Belt and Road” Band. The artistic collective represents diverse cultural backgrounds, featuring talents such as Zhang Zhongxu, Huang Siyu, Nepal’s Nishad Kumar Pokharel, Algeria’s Majd Bentalha, Yemen’s Salma Saybari, and Liberia’s David Yekeh.
The composition masterfully incorporates traditional Chinese imagery including red lanterns, the Yangtze River, and blue-and-white porcelain, while simultaneously referencing global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and London Eye. These elements are not merely symbolic decorations but represent genuine cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The song demonstrates how Tai Chi movements can harmonize with coffee aromas, and how lion dances can animate classical European architecture.
Particularly poignant is the chorus line: “The blood of the Yellow River pulses through the veins of the four seas, the Great Wall embraces the Earth in its day-and-night watch,” which extends familial connections into shared human experiences. The modern rap segments creatively converge traditional Chinese New Year customs with contemporary global scenes. A deeply moving French phrase, “Maman, je suis de retour” (Mother, I have returned), resonates powerfully with overseas Chinese communities, touching the emotional core of diaspora experiences.
Beyond depicting festive reunion scenes, “Homecoming Across the Seas” embodies China’s growing cultural confidence and openness to global exchange. The composition demonstrates how the Spring Festival has evolved from a traditional Chinese celebration into a universal emotional language that transcends geographical boundaries. The work stands as both a warm cultural encounter and a collective love letter to the spring season, celebrating shared humanity through artistic expression.