Chongqing - On October 10, 2025, the ancient quiet of the Baodingshan Scenic Area was gently broken by the soft, intricate sounds of a lute and a viol, as French musicians Alban Tixier and Louise Tixier performed before the serene gaze of the Reclining Buddha. This unique performance, blending European medieval music with one of China's most revered UNESCO World Heritage sites, offered a living example of the deepening cultural dialogue between China and France.

The event captivated a diverse audience of tourists and locals, who gathered to witness this harmonious cross-cultural encounter. For many, it was a rare opportunity to see how music composed centuries ago in Europe could resonate so profoundly within a sacred Chinese space.

A Conversation Across Centuries

For the performers, the setting transformed the music. "Performing in ancient French architecture feels like returning to history. But performing medieval French music here, in a centuries-old Chinese setting, becomes a dialogue across time and space."  Alban Tixier reflected. "I've never experienced anything like it, and I kept saying, 'It’s unbelievable!' - I really can't find the words to fully capture how it felt."

Alban noted the sense of wonder, particularly after encountering traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng and pipa. "Even though these instruments were completely new to me, I was immediately struck by the shared musical language, especially in the fingering techniques. It felt strangely familiar and deeply fascinating."

This musical exchange is part of a broader tapestry of cultural initiatives between the two nations. Notably, on May 17, 2025, a collection of cultural and creative products from the Dazu Rock Carvings made their debut in France at the "World Carnival" in Amiens. Their successful reception, blending Eastern aesthetics with contemporary design, was an earlier testament to the public's growing appreciation for such Sino-French cultural fusion.

An Evening of Fusion and Harmony

The day culminated in a grand Sino-French Cultural Heritage Exchange Concert that evening. Teachers and students from Dazu Experimental Primary School and other artists joined the Tixiers. The collaborative program featured mesmerizing pieces, including "Tian Xia Dazu" and "Renaissance Fantasia," showcasing a seamless blend of Eastern and Western artistic traditions.

Reflecting on the significance of such events, Alban Tixier emphasized their dual impact. "The value of exchanges like this is clear. They don't just raise awareness in both our countries - and worldwide - about the importance of preserving cultural heritage. They also help us, as young musicians, rediscover the relevance of France's early music in a new light. And through the language of music, China’s rich culture can reach broader audiences, including back in France."

With the success of the Dazu event, the musicians are already looking forward. "My sincere hope," Alban added, "is to one day collaborate with young Chinese musicians and bring traditional Chinese music to perform in France. That would be a truly meaningful exchange."

By weaving together music, history, and design, these ongoing dialogues between China and France continue to build bridges of mutual understanding and artistic innovation, proving that great cultures do not merely exist side-by-side, but can speak to and enrich one another in the most unexpected ways.