Chongqing – The inaugural "Chongqing Nights" concert successfully premiered on the evening of September 26, 2025, at the Chongqing International Reception Hall. Organized by the Chongqing International Culture Exchange Association and co-hosted by a consortium of leading local institutions, the event brought together a diverse audience of guests and citizens, transforming the city's public space with the power of music and showcasing Chongqing's accessible and charming urban culture.

The Chongqing Symphony Orchestra, under the masterful baton of conductor Guo Xiuwu, presented a captivating program that bridged East and West. As one of the city's most influential professional art troupes, the orchestra combined technical brilliance with deep artistic heritage, breathing new life into classic compositions.

The repertoire was a deliberate fusion of global and local sounds. Timeless Western pieces like Johann Strauss II's "The Blue Danube," Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers," and "Tritsch-Tratsch Polka" were performed alongside beloved Chinese folk melodies such as "Jasmine Flower" and the spirited Chongqing folk song "The Sun Comes Out Delightfully." This musical dialogue transcended language, serving as a harmonious testament to Chongqing's open and inclusive character, captivating the audience who responded with both silent reverence and thunderous applause.

Guo Xiuwu and Chongqing Symphony Orchestra co-presented a performance that blends the East and the West.(Photo/Eiko Cheng)

The premiere honored special guests, most notably the "Role Models of the Times"—the Chongqing prosecutors' team dedicated to juvenile protection. Their commitment to safeguarding the young with a blend of legal authority and compassion resonated deeply with the concert's humanistic spirit, highlighting the city's warmth and moral strength.

"The Role Models of the Times" participated in the concert. (Photo/Eiko Cheng)

Gong Shan, one of the "Role Models of the Times", took the interview with local media. (Photo/Eiko Cheng)

The event also served as a platform for international exchange. An Australian media delegation in attendance gained a fresh perspective on Chongqing's cultural vitality and modern appeal through the music. Meanwhile, representatives from foreign-invested enterprises in Chongqing noted that the experience strengthened their sense of belonging and appreciation for the city's international business environment. The gathering of these diverse groups embodied "Chongqing Nights"' vision of being locally rooted yet globally connected.

The Australian Media team visited Chongqing and enjoyed the concert. (Photo/Eiko Cheng)

Foreign guests including the Australian media team were enjoying the music.(Photo/Eiko Cheng)

"Chongqing Nights" is cultivated as a new public welfare cultural brand under the guidance of the Publicity Department of Chongqing Municipal Committee, following the success of the "New Rhythm Chongqing" drone light show. It aims to enrich the city's cultural fabric and support its development into a leading cultural metropolis. The series will launch as regular performance in 2025, with plans for 25 regular performances and several thematic specials throughout the year. Regular concerts will be held bi-weekly, with special editions aligned with major festivals and city events, offering citizens diverse cultural experiences.

To ensure broad accessibility, the concert series employs a dual "targeted invitation + open reservation" model. Each performance will extend invitations to consular officials, foreign enterprise representatives, international students, and local role models, while also offering free public reservations through the official WeChat channels of the Chongqing International Culture Exchange Association and the Chongqing International Reception Hall.

Looking ahead, "Chongqing Nights" will continue to merge international perspectives with Chongqing's unique cultural identity, striving to become a signature urban's cultural feature celebrated for both its artistic quality and public appeal. The series is committed to telling the Chongqing story to the world, conveying the warmth and charm of this mountainous city by the river.

Citizens enjoyed the concert by the riverside of Nanbin Road. (Photo/Eiko Cheng)