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Expert Notes 专家手记

A festival connects three countries

月圆中秋 心连孟越柬

By Nie Zhihong □ 聂志宏 / 文

In March 2025, during an inspection tour mutual understanding and connection among Oceans, stopping at Chittagong each time. Journey” project—together composing a
of Yunnan Province, Chinese President Xi the youth of both countries, these activities There, he traded Yunnan-made copperware harmonious symphony of mutual appreciation
Jinping emphasized that Yunnan’s unique ge- laid a solid humanistic foundation for future and medicinal herbs for Bangladeshi pearls between civilizations. Today, the Mid-Autumn
ographical position makes it an ideal gateway cooperation. China and Vietnam used the and cotton textiles. To this day, the Consul Festival has transcended its traditional role as
for advancing high-standard opening-up and Mid-Autumn Festival as a cultural conduit, General of Bangladesh in Kunming still refers an occasion to admire “the bright moon rising
a pivotal hub for China’s engagement with hosting the “Under the Moonlit Clouds, Last- to this early “Yunnan-initiated friendship” over the sea.” It has evolved into a bridge of
South and Southeast Asia. In this context, me- ing Neighborly Ties” gala and a Mid-Autumn in National Day addresses. Furthermore, emotions, connecting hearts across nations
dia organizations in Yunnan have actively lev- Festival-themed bazaar. These events not only central-western Yunnan was historically the along an enduring “Emotional Silk Road.”
eraged their strengths to establish themselves served as artistic showcases but also deepened heartland of indigenous bronze drum culture. Taking the moon as a medium and the
as a leading platform for regional outreach dialogue and mutual understanding between The bronze drums of the Dongshan civiliza- festival as a bridge, these four countries pre-
and a testing ground for international com- the two peoples, further strengthening trust. tion originated here—a shared cultural legacy sented a Mid-Autumn showcase grounded
munication. During the 2025 Mid-Autumn Simultaneously in Cambodia, a series of among the Baiyue peoples. Young musicians in genuine connection, transforming the
Festival, media teams from Yunnan traveled Mid-Autumn activities were held, including from Vietnam’s Tay ethnic group still pas- ironclad friendship from diplomatic language
th
to Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia to or- the reception for the 76 anniversary of the sionately perform on bronze drums whose into lived, shared experience. Travelers no
ganize and host distinctive celebrations under founding of the People’s Republic of China, surface patterns are nearly identical to those longer needed to navigate cultural barriers;
the theme “Mid‑Autumn Bonds Unite Bang- the “Tea for Harmony” Yaji Cultural Salon, bronze drums of Yunnan’s Dongshan civili- they could simply share a cup of tea, admire
ladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia.” Through the China‑Cambodia “Glorious Silk Road” In- zation as if echoing across time and space. In the same moon, and form friendships within
these events, the traditional festival was trans- tangible Cultural Heritage Day, and the “Under the galleries of Angkor Wat, Apsara dancers the warm, familiar embrace of the festival,
formed into a bridge for cultural exchange the Moonlit Clouds, Lasting Neighborly Ties” step to the rhythm of bronze cymbals and beat completing a cross-border journey of heart-to-
and mutual understanding among the peoples Mid‑Autumn Friendship Gala. These initia- elephant-foot drums. These instruments—the heart connection. As flights continuously land
of the region. tives not only opened new chapters in tourism Dai cymbals and elephant-foot drums—are and depart along this cultural corridor, the
This year marks several significant mile- cooperation and people-to-people exchanges indistinguishable from those used in festive “bridge of popular goodwill” among the four
th
stones: the 50 anniversary of China‑Bangla- between China and Cambodia, but also con- celebrations in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, nations grows ever stronger, sustained by cul-
desh diplomatic relations, the “China‑Bang- tributed actively to building an all-weather weaving a living thread of shared heritage tural resonance and genuine affection. Thus,
ladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges,” China-Cambodia community with a shared across borders. this dialogue of civilizations, anchored in the
the “China-Vietnam Year of Cultural Ex- future in the new era. “Light the lanterns, share the mooncakes, Mid-Autumn Festival, not only lights the way
changes,” and the “China-Cambodia Year Historically, Yunnan has shared profound raise a toast to the moon—the friendship toward a community with a shared future
of Tourism.” Against this backdrop, events cultural connections with Bangladesh, Viet- among China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and for humanity but also offers a fresh model of
such as the “Under the Same Moon” Chi- nam, and Cambodia through ancient trade Cambodia endures.” The 2025 Mid-Autumn cross-cultural cooperation for nations of the
na‑Bangladesh Mid‑Autumn Celebration and routes that facilitated seamless exchanges, and celebrations across these three countries used Global South. As we await the next full moon,
the “Harbors Tonight” Beyond Coffee Youth through common ethnic, religious, and mu- the festival as a cultural key to unlock shared may more travelers follow its glow, continu-
Talk Bangladesh vividly embodied the friend- sical traditions. For instance, Zheng He, the understanding, built bridges through culture ing to weave the diverse, enduring stories of
ship between China and Bangladesh and the renowned Ming dynasty admiral and native of and tourism, and laid a foundation of good- an “Emotional Silk Road” across South and
spirit of the “China‑Bangladesh Year Yunnan, made seven voyages to the Western will through initiatives like the “Love Heart Southeast Asia and into the boundless horizon
of People-to-People Ex- of our shared human destiny.
changes.” By fostering The author, Nie Zhihong, is a lecturer
at the Party School of the CPC Yunnan
Provincial Committee (Yunnan Academy of
Governance).