A scene from the dance performance A Dream of the Enchanted Melody. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Qingming is both a solar term and a traditional festival, marked by customs such as tomb-sweeping, spring outings, and offering blessings. It embodies the vitality of spring, the renewal of hope, and the cycle of life itself.
Premiering tonight at 19:30 on Henan TV, 2025 Adventures on Qingming Festival offers a poetic interpretation of this timeless tradition. Featuring an exceptional lineup, the show will deliver a breathtaking audiovisual experience, guiding audiences through a threefold journey of life, memory, and nature—an emotional resonance that transcends time and space.
A scene from the street dance show Cocoon-Break. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Inspired by the "Three Phenological Signs of Qingming", an ancient Chinese observation of seasonal transitions, the program weaves these natural changes into its narrative. Through a blend of modern and traditional performances, the festival's cultural depth is reimagined in a cinematic and philosophical light.
The dance performance A Dream of the Enchanted Melody unfolds in three chapters—Emergence, Rhythm, and Eternity—symbolizing the rebirth of spring and the journey of life. At its heart is a mythical, melodious bird, long dormant in Dunhuang murals, awakening to spring's arrival. Dressed in flowing green, the dancers bridge ancient Buddhist wisdom with earthly renewal, embodying the revival of all living things.
A scene from the youth rock anthem Sunflower. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The untamed energy of spring, vividly captured by renowned author Shi Tiesheng, bursts to life in Cocoon-Break, a dynamic street dance showcase. Blending the rhythmic intensity of street dance with the precision of Wing Chun martial arts, the performance embodies the fusion of tradition and modernity, illustrating how the essence of Chinese culture thrives in the vitality of a new generation.
A youthful, electrifying anthem, Sunflower sets the stage ablaze with pure energy. A teenage rock band, guided by teacher Gu Ya's childlike sincerity and aunt Maizi's free-spirited optimism, delivers a performance that blooms with courage and passion. Their music encourages all to embrace life with brightness, cherish everyday moments, and pursue dreams fearlessly.
A scene from the folk-style skit Seeking Blossoms by the Riverside. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Blending creativity with dynamic visuals, Seeking Blossoms by the Riverside offers a playful folk-style skit. Traditional-style blogger Chen Xiyue, appearing as a flower girl, and delivery boy Song Xiaoge step into history, offering flowers—and inspiration—to legendary artists. Through a lighthearted, playful narrative, the performance unveils the untold stories behind artistic masterpieces, celebrating the timeless lineage of Chinese art.
The Chinese-style dance Roaming Youth provides an immersive glimpse into poet Bai Juyi's reflective twilight years. Adapted in part from Looking for Him in the Crowd, an epic poetry and art drama, the performance balances lyrical grace with rhythmic strength. Against the backdrop of ancient tea rituals—roasting, storing, water selection, and brewing—young dancers bring Qingming's tea culture to life. The performance opens with a dramatic narration by Xu Tao, a national first-class actor and renowned reciter, unfurling like a vivid scroll painting of spring's renewal.
