Sichuan Yingshan: Over 430 Retirees Celebrate Spring Together

On April 14th, the Publicity Branch of the Yingshan County Elderly Association in Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, held a spring garden party and cultural performance at the Wetland Park. The rich and colorful cultural programs and interactive garden activities attracted more than 430 retired cadres and workers from administrative and public institutions such as the propaganda system agencies, schools, and hospitals.

At 9 a.m., hosts Xu Caiquan and Tu Dongmei ignited the atmosphere with their enthusiastic opening remarks. The choir performance of "Peach Blossoms Red, Apricot Blossoms White" and "Magnificent Yan'an" took the stage first. Conductor Wang Xuejun led the performance with ease, while the accompanying team played in harmony. The stirring melodies drew applause from the audience. The dragon dance "Colorful Dragon Celebrating Spring," led by Peng Jirong, featured a vibrant and dynamic performance. The fiery red dragon shone brightly in the sunlight, showcasing the charm of traditional folk customs. In the famous Sichuan Opera excerpt "Viewing the Scenery from the Cave," Luo Yan and He Fenghua captivated the audience with their delicate singing and expressive movements, immersing them in the flavor of Bashu culture. In addition, the female vocal ensemble "Jasmine Flower" was melodious and graceful, the brass ensemble "Stepping into the New Era" was powerful and resounding, the dance "Life is Like a Painting" interpreted the tranquility of time with its gentle movements, and the square dance "Back to the Mountain Gully" brought the entire audience to dance along with its cheerful rhythm, pushing the atmosphere to its peak.

The stage was filled with wonderful performances, and the audience was highly enthusiastic. Many elderly people clapped and cheered while taking out their phones to capture the moments... "These performances are so professional. I have to show them to my family when I go home!" Some seniors even became "live-streaming experts," sharing the grand performance with their friends and relatives in real-time through video calls, with laughter and cheers echoing throughout the venue.

"The garden party today is very meaningful, especially the cultural performance, which is extremely wonderful. It features both classic old songs and newly choreographed dances. It's just too exciting. Such activities not only bring joy to our old age but also make us feel the care of society. Living in this new era is truly a blessing," said Li Shuan, an elderly attendee.

"Our senior friends are a valuable asset to society. We hope to build a platform for communication through such activities to make retired life more fulfilling and colorful," said Gong Changsheng, president of the Publicity Branch of the Yingshan County Elderly Association. He added that they will continue to innovate the forms of activities to enrich the spiritual and cultural lives of retired cadres and workers.

At noon, the participants left one after another amidst laughter and joy, with many seniors making plans to meet again next time. This spring celebration not only showcased the vitality and talent of the elderly but also conveyed the warm message that "though the evening of life has come, the sky is still filled with rosy clouds." (Peng Chuanhang)