Dragon Horse Literary Brilliance, Spring Sunshine Celebrated Together — The Second Social Gathering of the Canadian Chinese Writers Association Was Successfully Held

(Toronto, China News - Reporter Chen Rong) In the early summer of the Wuchen Year of the Horse, as the evening breeze gently blew and the streetlights began to glow, on the evening of Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM, the Shuangkuai Chinese School was aglow with light and filled with distinguished guests. The second gala of the Chinese Writers Association of Canada commenced as scheduled. This elegant celebration, blending literature and art, was themed “Dragon Horse Splendor, Welcoming Spring's Radiance Together,” weaving poetic words with lively melodies into a heartwarming cultural feast.

Distinguished guests attending the celebration included: Yan Fei, President of the Canadian Chinese Writers Association; board members Luo Yangfu, Chen Rong, and Qi Yaling; newly appointed board members Huang Zanyang and Li Yan; and secretaries Feng Wenjun and Lu Jie, among others. Mr. Zhang Xiwang, President of the North American Cultural Development Promotion Association; renowned artist Professor Chang Zaisheng; and painter Ms. Li De, along with numerous celebrities from the literary and art circles and outstanding community figures, gathered together to reminisce and appreciate the fine works.
The celebration commenced amidst warm applause. The gala was hosted by Director Chen Rong. Mr. Yan Fei, president of the Chinese Writers Association of Canada, delivered the opening address. He said with deep emotion, “This year is the Year of the Horse, and the horse symbolizes galloping, vitality, and progress. Our theme, ‘Dragon-Horse Odes, Spring Brilliance Celebrated Together,” precisely aims to leverage the soaring spirit of the Year of the Horse to merge the profound heritage of Chinese literature with diverse art forms such as music, dance, and recitation, presenting to you an elegant and meaningful artistic night. Literature is a silent symphony, and art is a tangible poem." As soon as he finished speaking, the entire audience was moved.

From left to right: Qi Yaling, Zhang Xiwang, Yan Fei, Chen Rong

Subsequently, Mr. Zhang Xiwang, the elderly president of the North American Cultural Development Promotion Association, who is over eighty years old, slowly walked onto the stage. He presented three meticulously crafted calligraphy works to the association, praising Chairman Yan Fei for his contributions to overseas Chinese literature and affectionately offering his well wishes: “Literature is timeless, and art is evergreen.”

From left to right: Qi Yaling, Yan Fei, Chang Zaisheng

During the evening party, a segment was added upon the proposal of the Presidium of the Chinese-Canadian Writers Association. Huang Zanyang and Li Yan were elected as directors with a unanimous vote. Following this, the directors took turns speaking, their words powerful and heartfelt.

From left to right: Chen Rong, Qi Yaling, Luo Yangfu, Huang Zanyang, Li Yan

Director Luo Yangfu remarked emotionally, “Literature gives wandering souls an anchor. May we use our pens as oars and row towards a vaster shore.”
Director Chen Rong emotionally said, “Chairman Yan Fei used literature as a boat, carrying us across the ocean of culture, allowing every wanderer to find their direction home.”
Qi Yaling said gently but firmly, “Here, every Chinese character is the soil of my hometown, and every piece of work is a return to my soul.”
Newly added board member Huang spoke with impassioned words: “The Yangtze River flows eastward, and its waves can never wash away our glorious history.”
Li Yan gently greeted, “May Chinese literature be like the spring sun, warming the way home for every returning wanderer.”
Stewards Feng Wenjun and Lu Jie also expressed that the association is everyone's “spiritual home” in a foreign land, and this sense of belonging is extremely precious.

From left to right: Lu Jie, Feng Wenjun, Li De, Zhang Yingying

Renowned sculptor Professor Chang Zaisheng and painter Ms. Li De also highly praised Chairman Yan Fei for his outstanding contributions to the development of Chinese literature and art in Canada, stating that he has “given overseas Chinese a warm home and raised a guiding light on the journey of promoting Chinese culture.”

The address concluded, and the grand performance began. The evening gala, imbued with the vigorous spirit of the Year of the Horse, seamlessly blended diverse art forms such as literature, music, dance, and recitation. The performers poured their hearts into their craft, shining brightly under the spotlight. The entire production was elegant in style and profound in meaning, earning continuous applause.

Joint recitation of Yan Fei's ancient style poem "Literary World's Jade Essence" by Lu Jie, Liu Yu, Wen Jun, Yan Daxia, Feng Yue, Zanyang, and Xiuhua

Female solo, Italian opera "O mio babbino caro", Chen Rong

Hanfu dance "Xian Yao" Hanmeng Ningshang: Tracy Lu (right), Grace Ye, Shirley Tang (left)

Shuai Kuai Chinese students Li Yuti, Zhang Jiping, Li Yupei, and Zhang Xiya recite "Ballad of Mulan" together.

Girls' Chorus "Fisher Girl by the Sea" Chen Rong, Betty Lo, Peng Hui, Li Zhi, Erin Wu, Tina Wang, Jiang Ping, Cao Wenjuan

National Costume Fashion Show "Mother is China" - Li Yan, Xia Li, Zhang Yingying, Fu Anni, Yang Qiulian, Zhu Jianxin, Li Yahong

Shuai Kuai Chinese student Zhang Jiping recites "The Peach Blossom Spring"

Poetry Recitation "Su Shi · Ding Feng Bo" by Yan Daxia

Solo Dance: "From Now On, My Eyes Are Only on You" by Chen Rong

Male Solo: "The Rolling Yangtze" - Huang Zanyang

Ziqian Wang, a gifted Chinese student, recites "Chu Shi Biao."

Song and Dance "Red Saddle" Li Yan, Zhang Yingying, Fu Anni, Yang Qiulian, Zhu Jianxin, Li Yahong

As the evening party drew to a close, the board members and key figures of the Canadian Chinese Writers Association who were present took the stage to sing "Tomorrow Will Be Better" together. Their voices, warm and resolute, like spring sunshine, brought a perfect conclusion to the night.

Brother Yan brought 10 boxes of fresh sushi to the party, and Chen Rong, Qi Yaling, Li Yan, Feng Wenjun, Li De, Hai Fang, and others also brought exquisite pastries. This night, vigor and literary spring sunshine shone together; this night, overseas writers, with their hearts as strings, played the most touching music of Chinese culture on foreign soil.