Wider horizons

In addition to the music performances, the French children also participated in educational and cultural activities, including exploring the Wuzhishan section of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park and immersing themselves in local heritage.

The visitors had the opportunity to learn and experience Li musical instruments, Li and Miao songs, Li brocade weaving, Miao silver jewelry-making techniques, and bamboo dances.

Traditional instruments in Hainan are often crafted from bamboo, wood, and other natural materials, including animal skins, that are available on the tropical island. These elements contribute to the simple, naturalistic music style.

The Li people, lacking a written language, preserved their history and cultural traditions through their traditional music.

The Li ethnic group also has a rich tradition of creating brocade, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. This intricate craft, involving spinning, dyeing, weaving, and embroidery, was inscribed on the World Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.

Before departing Wuzhishan, the French children also tried Li pottery. Under the guidance of local instructors, each child unleashed their creativity, by shaping clay into diverse forms inspired by their surroundings.