From history to stage: Evan Kail's China journey and Spring Festival Gala experience

The visit of American pawnshop owner Evan Kail to China garnered widespread attention. This trip not only served as an opportunity for cultural exchange but also became a vivid testament to the friendship between the peoples of China and the United States. Evan Kail, who earned acclaim for donating a World War II-era photo album documenting Japan's invasion of China, further bridged the emotional distance between the two nations through his journey to China. 

During his first time in China from November 2024 to January 2025, Evan visited numerous historical and cultural sites and engaged in in-depth discussions with Chinese scholars and youth representatives. He said the trip allowed him to experience the warmth and friendliness of the Chinese people and better understand the profound depth of Chinese culture. Evan also emphasized that the historical images in the photo album he donated are not only a testament to what happened during the war but also a call for peace.

In addition, Evan was invited to participate in the 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala that heralded the Year of the Snake. As the first global celebration following the successful inscription of "Chinese Spring Festival" on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the gala, themed "The World is One Family," showcased the inclusiveness and global appeal of Chinese culture. On the gala stage, Kail shared his China story and expressed his heartfelt wishes for the future of China-U.S. relations. "People-to-people connectivity" serves as a bridge that transcends borders and connects the world. The grassroots exchanges between China and the United States have injected positive energy into the future development of bilateral relations.

For more:

WWII album witness: The story of U.S. pawnshop owner Evan Kail

Spring Festival Gala invitation: Exploring Sino-American differences, path of mutual learning