During the Spring Festival, the Binfen Chamber Orchestra of Xicheng District was invited to perform at the Chinese New Year Parade in Paris, in the pursuit of deepening the cultural exchanges between Beijing and Paris and enhancing the friendship of the two peoples. It delivered an impressive performance that integrated Chinese and Western folk music to friends from all walks of life in Paris.

The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. Since the two capitals became sister cities in 1997, there have been fruitful people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in various forms.

Lu Shaye, Chinese Ambassador to France, Weil, Mayor of Paris Centre, and Julien Bayou, a member of the Assemblée Nationale, and heads of nearly 60 overseas Chinese associations in France joined the audience at the parade held in Paris Centre on February 11. Ambassador Lu Shaye extended heartfelt festival greetings to the audience and expressed gratitude for the orchestra delegated by Xicheng District. The orchestra presented a marvelous performance at the opening ceremony of the parade, including Joyful Time-the Prelude of Spring Festival, Summer Palace in Spring, and The New Purple Bamboo Tune. These exuberant melodies with abundant Chinese elements and Beijing characteristics sent Spring Festival greetings to the Paris people and Chinese residents in France. The music adapted from the French song Sous le Ciel de Paris blended Chinese and Western artistic techniques, establishing an emotional tie with the French audience at once, thereby facilitating art exchanges between the two countries. During the visit, the orchestra also performed at the Spring Festival gala co-hosted by the Paris Centre and the 13th Arrondissement, garnering applause from the audience.

The parade, hosted by the Association of Chinese Residents in France and greatly supported by the local government, attracted many overseas Chinese associations in France. After more than 20 years since its inception, the parade has evolved into one of the most important Spring Festival celebrations in Paris, and even in France.