Jiang Yuheng Meets the World Music Culture Museum: A Transcendent Musical Encounter Across Time and Space

On October 30, 2025, legendary Mandarin singer Jiang Yuheng visited the Dalian World Music Culture Museum. He engaged in a profound conversation with founder and curator Zhang Jingxuan about the legacy of musical culture. From the timeless melodies of millennia-old chime bells to the century-old sounds preserved by gramophones, the two explored music's extraordinary power to transcend time and space.

As the bayan harp played “Looking Back,” Mr. Jiang was visibly moved: “Hearing this sound transports me back to my youth. It's so beautiful, so magnificent! This is the cultural essence befitting a city of romance.”

Mr. Jiang was particularly curious about the resolve and perseverance that drove Zhang Jingxuan to establish a national-level museum for society. Director Zhang then shared his founding vision and the museum's achievements over eight years on both international and domestic stages. Moved by his patriotic spirit, Mr. Jiang declared the museum “a hall of musical culture that bridges ancient and modern times.”

In the museum's opening exhibition zone dedicated to ethnic music culture, as performers played “Three Variations on Plum Blossoms” and “Looking Back Once More,” the millennia-old chimes resonated with ethereal melodies. The metallic tones of the bronze chimes filled the air, transporting the audience back in time to 2,400 years ago.

Following a demonstration by Director Zhang Jingxuan and chime performer Li Xinyao, Mr. Jiang Yuheng struck the chime version of “Looking Back Once More” with a mallet, achieving a transcendent dialogue between millennia-old ritual music and contemporary pop classics. Director Zhang Jingxuan remarked emotionally, “Through the chimes, Mr. Jiang Yuheng has bridged 2,400 years to rediscover his own musical memories.”

Subsequently, at Director Zhang Jingxuan's invitation, Mr. Jiang Yuheng played Beethoven's beloved instrument—a nine-foot Broadwood grand piano—immersing himself in the creative spirit of a century past.

Mr. Jiang remarked, “I adore the energy here. These artifacts have made immense contributions to our era's musical culture! I'll return often to seek inspiration—this place captivates me!”

Mr. Jiang listened to the century-old echoes from Edison's wax cylinder phonograph.

Mr. Jiang Yuheng marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship of the museum's treasured early 19th-century imperial finch cage music box. 

Captivated by the love melody from the 1880 German royal music cabinet, Mr. Jiang Yuheng exclaimed the sound was enchanting. He promptly had his assistant record the melody, believing it would bring unique inspiration to his future creations.

The museum's record exhibition area specially displayed key milestones of Mr. Jiang Yuheng's musical career—including his debut solo album Love Me: Journey of Solitude released in 1984 and his seventh album Cheers to the Past released in 1988. Overwhelmed with emotion, he remarked: “I didn't even have my first album myself. To find the museum holds such collections about me—this isn't just a dusty memory, but the highest honor and respect from the World Music Culture Museum. Thank you!”

Mr. Jiang Yuheng and Director Zhang Jingxuan signed the records, leaving a beautiful memory of their musical friendship. 

The flash mob segment on the third floor with fans and media reached the emotional peak of the musical journey: greeted by warm voices, the melody of “Looking Back” filled the air as Director Zhang Jingxuan and Mr. Jiang Yuheng took the stage hand in hand. Together with the choir and musicians on stage, they formed a 41-person ensemble to witness the tribute performance celebrating “the 41st anniversary of Jiang Yuheng's performing career.”

Mr. Jiang also shared his deep affection for Dalian: “Dalian is the most beautiful and loving city in Northeast China! I performed here ten years ago, and it holds my family and friends. I hope to visit the World Music Culture Museum often, singing for my dearest friends in the most beautiful Dalian!”

The museum's treasured collections left Jiang Yuheng deeply impressed. He repeatedly expressed his eagerness for a dedicated moment to stroll through the museum alone, seeking songwriting inspiration through dialogue with musical artifacts. He declared, “Music moves Dalian, hearts move infinitely,” conveying his genuine affection for the museum, the city, and music itself.

Mr. Jiang Yuheng also revealed that on December 27, 2025, he will present his “Forever” concert tour to audiences at Dalian Sports Center Gymnasium. “Classics are never forgotten. On December 27th, we will journey together through time, letting timeless music echo through the ages.”

Director Zhang Jingxuan praised Mr. Jiang Yuheng, stating, “His profound and enduring vocals flow like mountain streams, capturing the deepest emotions of humanity, carrying the youthful memories of generation after generation!”

Mr. Jiang Yuheng expressed admiration for Director Zhang Jingxuan's patriotic spirit and the museum's rich collection, calling it a musical cultural hall spanning ancient and modern times.

Curator Zhang Jingxuan and Mr. Jiang Yuheng jointly proclaimed the museum's mission: “Reviving China through culture, conveying the Chinese dream through sound,” elevating the event to its climax. This transcendent musical dialogue resonated with millennia of ritual music and contemporary song. As both envisioned, classical music and cultural heritage will ultimately be reborn through inheritance. On this December winter night in Dalian, this golden-hits extravaganza will undoubtedly ignite countless youthful memories.

The event was jointly hosted by Zhonghe Tianxia and the World Music Culture Museum, with strong support from the Dalian Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.

 As a cultural practitioner and cultural enterprise leader, Curator Zhang Jingxuan will strive to build a multidimensional cultural museum industry chain integrating cultural undertakings, cultural industries, cultural technology, cultural tourism, and digital culture, pioneering new trends in cultural museum development. Advocating innovative museum concepts, he aims to transform the World Music Culture Museum into a cultural sanctuary that bridges nations through music, connects cities through cultural ties, and fosters a new lifestyle of human communication. In the future, the World Music Culture Museum will strive to become a cultural landmark of Dalian City, a cultural calling card of Liaoning Province, and a cultural banner representing Liaoning to the nation!

“Falling in love with a city begins at the museum...”

-- Zhang Jingxuan