Canada was one of the Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with China. For the past 46 years, these two countries have benefited from bilateral relations. It should also not be forgotten that the cities of Shanghai and Montreal have been sister cities since 1985 and, as such, have participated in cultural exchanges each year.

Traditional culture is the soul of Chinese heritage. Within Chinese culture, Ping Tan is one of the most beautiful flowers in the great garden of China civilization. Originally from south-east China, Ping Tan is a type of folklore with a history of more than 500 years.

On July 20, 2016, on the occasion of the 46th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and China, the Confucius Institute in Quebec organized a Ping Tan show in the city of Montreal, with the support of the Municipality of Shanghai and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal. The famous Ping Tan troupe from Shanghai came to Montreal to show the pearl of Chinese culture to the Canadian people and gave us a brilliant performance.

Ms. Suli Yan, the Education Advisor of the Consulate General of the Republic of China in Montreal, opened the show with a speech. She expressed a warm welcome to members of the Shanghai Ping Tan troupe, thanking them for bringing this traditional Chinese art to the people of Montreal. The Director of the Confucius Institute in Quebec, Ms. Meng Rong, also expressed her emotion at the show that was about to begin: “I am originally from Shanghai and never thought that one day I would admire the traditional art of my native country here In Montreal; it’s really impressive. The success of Ping Tan in Montreal shows us a simple reality: no matter where in the world, the best aspects of Chinese culture will always be appreciated by the people. ”

Several Ping Tan fans gathered at the Dawson College Theater to enjoy this high-level show. In collaboration with professional artists from the Confucius Institute in Quebec, the Shanghai Ping Tan troupe presented several songs expressing the beauty and history of the culture in south-eastern China. The magnificent voices of the artists and the folk music fascinated the spectators, including a large number of Canadians, some of whom were government officials. The spectators expressed their pleasure of this unforgettable moment with warm applause.