Taiwanese Politician Says Shen Yun ‘Perfectly Interpreted Chinese Culture’

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
Five thousand years of Chinese culture came to life on stage. On Jan. 5–6, Shen Yun Performing Arts staged two sold-out performances in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Among the audience were government officials and industry leaders.

“The performance perfectly interpreted Chinese culture, and I was deeply impressed by its presentation,” said Ching-Chuan Su, a member of the Legislative Yuan. “Each dancer possesses a very solid foundation in dance. [Shen Yun] vividly portrayed the cultural heritage that has been passed down for thousands of years in China. The different eras, the Mongolian grasslands, and various professions were all depicted with remarkable detail. It was truly astonishing, and I’m sincerely grateful.”

“The performance was genuine, expressing kindness and beauty,” said Ching-Yuan Cheng, a Pingtung County councilor. “Every movement and gesture, sometimes indescribable, you could feel just by watching. You knew exactly what they were expressing with each movement, and it was incredibly moving and impactful.”

“A feast for the eyes, with educational value, and uplifting to the spirit,” said Huey-Ru Tang, a soprano and professor of music.

Each piece of Shen Yun’s performance is accompanied by live music that blends a Western symphony orchestra with traditional Chinese instruments. Industry professionals spoke highly of its artistry.

“The emotional control of the music—whether joyful or when something unpleasant intrudes—the musical transitions between darkness and light, or tenderness, are handled with remarkable precision. The music is deeply integrated with the dramatic narrative, which is a highly successful aspect of the production,” said Ms. Tang.

“The orchestra also incorporates Chinese music, enriching its soundscape. Hearing this music that belongs to us Chinese people is truly uplifting,” said Min-Ho Yeh, a professor at the Department of Music in National Kaohsiung Normal University.

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive the traditional culture and values of China before communism. Audience members said the performance was inspiring and full of energy.

“It feels incredibly soul-cleansing—truly wonderful and beneficial for people. In this modern era, it plays a vital role in elevating cultural and spiritual dimensions,” said Ms. Tang.

“[Shen Yun’s display of] kindness and your heartfelt efforts fill every corner of the world with warmth,” said Chin-hsi Chen, chairman of the Taitung County Chiayi Compatriots Association.

“It’s like seeing a glimmer of hope for the future—so promising,” said Tien-Yao Chang, founder of a biotech company. “This cannot be put into words—it’s simply magical. Every time I step into the theater, the energy feels boundless. Personally, it feels like taking a bath for the soul, washing away all the negativity and recharging my body.”

Shen Yun not only portrays historical stories, but also exposes the persecution of faith by the Chinese Communist Party. This is why it is not allowed to perform in China.

Some Taiwanese officials said they hope the performance could reach more people, including those in the mainland.

“It would be even better if [Shen Yun] could be promoted in Hong Kong and Macau, and throughout China. Many Chinese people traveling abroad should be able to experience it. Wherever assistance is needed, we will certainly provide our full support to help it shine brightly around the world. That is our hope,” said Mr. Su.

NTD News Kaohsiung, Taiwan

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