‘A Spiritual Awakening’: Chinese Audience Applauds Shen Yun for Reviving Culture

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
During their 2025 world tour, New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts took more than a million audience members on a journey through ancient China, including Chinese audience members from across the globe. They were thrilled by Shen Yun’s artistic achievements and beauty on the world stage.

“It was truly impressive and refreshing. I’ve never seen anything like it before, not anywhere else, not even back in China. I was deeply moved, because it presented the beauty of traditional China,” said columnist Shuhan Chen.

“It was stunning and visually powerful. Shen Yun brings together traditional culture, classical arts, and mythology, and presents them through dazzling stage artistry. It does have a strong emotional impact and visual intensity. Some scenes almost brought tears to my eyes,” said Chinese immigrant Lingjun Zhao.

“I believe the artists, both the musicians and the dancers, performed at the highest level. This was the most spectacular performance I’ve seen in many years,” said influencer Laodeng.

“The performers’ artistic mastery truly amazed me. It was astonishing,” said Guolong Wang, owner of a martial arts club. “Their overall coordination was outstanding, especially in the dance. With one movement, the entire body followed. Their coordination, mental control, and the precision of every part of their bodies were absolutely flawless.”

“It was truly breathtaking, very beautiful. Beauty is something that people are naturally drawn to. When we see such beautiful things, what we all feel is a sense of deep emotion and joy. It was especially wonderful and uplifting. I honestly feel a bit of regret that I only saw something so beautiful today. I should have seen it earlier,” said Chinese immigrant Maili.

During the decades of Chinese Communist rule, the regime sought to annihilate the core values of traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun’s mission is to revive those 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture from before communism, which resonated with many of the Chinese audience members.

“In China, under the Chinese Communist Party, so-called art is made to serve politics. It’s not worth watching. This is the first time I’ve seen an art form that truly expresses beauty. And to see this within the context of Chinese culture is a first for me. Absolutely stunning. It was a beautiful experience,” Mr. Chen said.

“This performance was both impressive and inspiring. The performers, with their exquisite skill and deep cultural roots, showcased the strength of faith and the pursuit of freedom. What moved me even more was how so many people are using art to speak out against the Chinese Communist Party’s dictatorship. So Shen Yun is not just a visual feast. It’s a spiritual awakening. It empowers people and gives them hope for the future,” said Chinese immigrant Yan Qu.

“I think the best part of Shen Yun is that it puts ‘the divine’ at the center. Life is ultimately rooted in faith, but absolutely not the faith in the Communist Party. We should have reverence for the divine, the grace and salvation of the divine. That should be our final destination in life, our ultimate direction. I think Shen Yun was excellent in this. Without this kind of spiritual calling, human performance alone would not be enough,” said Chinese poet Heifeng.

“Watching [Shen Yun] performance has strengthened my inner longing for freedom, democracy, and faith,” said Chinese immigrant Xiaojie Ma. “People should have faith. God truly exists. God can embrace you, guide you on the right path, and help you find yourself no matter the circumstances, so you won’t lose your way.”

“After watching this program, I feel more optimistic. I’m optimistic about the revival of Chinese culture, and I’m also very hopeful about the future of our nation. I feel truly encouraged that such a profound traditional culture is being carried forward through dedicated individuals, an organized team, and the artists of Shen Yun. The light I saw wasn’t just from the stage effects. It was a real power that touched the soul. So I sincerely hope that more Chinese people will come and watch Shen Yun for themselves,” Mr. Laodeng said.

Through classical Chinese dance and storytelling, Shen Yun also depicts the story of the faithful standing up for their beliefs in the face of persecution. Audience members were shocked by what’s still happening today in Mainland China.

“The persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party is truly unacceptable. I had previously heard some news about it, but seeing it expressed through this form of art today gave me a deep sense of empathy. I hope that we can spread this truth so that more people can learn about it,” said Chinese immigrant Xu Wang.

“(This performance) invites us to re-examine the society we live in and our true connection to the heavenly realm. It also helps people gain a deeper understanding of Falun Gong’s core principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance,” said former journalist Qun He. “These three principles can actually form the foundation of our basic human faith. I believe that people with faith may live more purely and have higher aspirations. Maintaining peace in our daily lives and a great love for the world can help make this world a more harmonious place.”

“Shen Yun is a refreshing current in today’s world, and it has gained global recognition. I believe that Chinese people, too, are gradually beginning to reflect, and they will return to tradition. One day, Shen Yun will shine brilliantly in China,” Mr. Wang said.

NTD News, New York

NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts, covering audience reactions since 2006.