Chinese Audience Member Finds Hope in Shen Yun Performance

A young man from mainland China says Shen Yun's show has restored his faith in traditional Chinese values.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:38am

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Chen Xi, a young man visiting family in Japan from mainland China, attended a Shen Yun performance in Tokyo and was deeply moved. He said the show's stunning visuals, classical dances, and themes of traditional Chinese values and the persecution of Falun Gong have given him hope for the future of his country.

Why it matters

Shen Yun's mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, which has been severely damaged under decades of communist rule in China. The performance resonated with Chen Xi, who expressed concerns about the decline of moral values and human rights in modern China, providing him a sense of optimism about the future.

The details

Chen Xi praised Shen Yun's stage design, performers, and classical dances, especially the 'water-sleeve dance' and a dance featuring a woman in vibrant green and orange. He said the performance helped restore his sense of the innate goodness in people and the importance of kindness and compassion in society. Chen also commented on the show's depiction of the Chinese communist regime's persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, which he said reflects the low understanding of human rights in China.

  • Shen Yun performed at the Shinjuku Bunka Center in Tokyo on April 2, 2026.

The players

Chen Xi

A young man from mainland China who was visiting family in Japan and attended a Shen Yun performance in Tokyo.

Shen Yun

The world's premier classical Chinese dance and music company, dedicated to reviving traditional Chinese culture.

Falun Gong

Also known as Falun Dafa, a peaceful meditation practice whose followers strive to live by the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, and which has faced repression from the Chinese communist regime.

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What they’re saying

“It was truly stunning—everything from the stage design to the performers. The dances were excellent. Both the male and female dances were great. I especially loved the women's water-sleeve dance.”

— Chen Xi

“The classical dance featuring a woman in a green top and orange pants was my favorite. The colors were so vibrant, and the way the movements matched the costumes was really beautiful. The gestures were graceful and elegant.”

— Chen Xi

“This is definitely a good thing. People should be kind, and kindness is the foundation of a healthy society.”

— Chen Xi

“When everyone thinks of others, the world becomes better. I often tell my friends that if everyone thought of others, the world would be harmonious, and Chinese society would be harmonious too.”

— Chen Xi

“The Chinese people's understanding of human rights is very low, influenced by the CCP's system of indoctrination.”

— Chen Xi

The takeaway

Shen Yun's performance has provided a Chinese audience member with a renewed sense of hope for the future of traditional Chinese culture and values, which have been suppressed under the Chinese communist regime. The show's themes of compassion, moral integrity, and the persecution of spiritual practices like Falun Gong have resonated deeply, inspiring him to believe that positive change is possible for his country.