Group 1 - The 17th "Influencing the World Chinese" ceremony took place on July 18 in Beijing, focusing on the theme "Key Choices in Life" and featuring a creative light show and digital storytelling to present the life trajectories and spiritual realms of the awardees [1][5] - Notable awardees included Chen Qingquan, the first Chinese Academy of Engineering academician from Hong Kong, actor and singer Fei Xiang, and the "Chinese Space Station Youth Builders Team" [2] - The ceremony was co-initiated by Phoenix TV Group and various Chinese media outlets worldwide, with broadcasts scheduled for July 26 across multiple channels [7] Group 2 - Fei Xiang, who has been an influential figure in cultural exchange for over 40 years, received the "Influencing the World Chinese Award" and shared his thoughts on the ceremony's theme, emphasizing the collective contributions of individuals to make the world a better place [10][11] - Bai Xianyong, known for his efforts in promoting Kunqu opera, received a special tribute award, highlighting his dedication to cultural revival through the youth version of "Peony Pavilion," which has toured over 500 performances globally [12][14] - Academician Yao Qizhi, a Turing Award winner, was honored with the "Lifetime Achievement Award," and he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to scientific innovation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in technology [15][18]

Core Viewpoint - The "Youth Version of Peony Pavilion" has successfully engaged a new generation of performers and audiences, revitalizing Kunqu opera and integrating traditional culture with modern sensibilities [1][4]. Group 1: Performance and Audience Engagement - The first performance of the "Youth Version of Peony Pavilion" at Southeast University featured an 86% cast of post-2000 actors, with an average age of around 22 years [1]. - The production has been performed over 500 times in 20 years, becoming a representative work of "youth literature and art" [1]. - The success of the youth version is attributed to government support, social recognition, and public appreciation for Kunqu [1]. Group 2: Training and Artistic Development - The production began in 2003, focusing on cultivating artistic talent through a rigorous three-month training program that included 10-hour daily sessions [2]. - The training covered various aspects of performance, leading to significant improvements among young actors, who are seen as the torchbearers for Kunqu's future [2]. - The adaptation of the script aimed to bridge classical drama with modern audiences while preserving the essence of the original work [2]. Group 3: Cultural Significance and Modern Relevance - The recent production of "Handan Ji" demonstrates Kunqu's ability to respond to contemporary needs while respecting traditional narratives [3]. - The evolution of Kunqu is closely linked to cultural development, with the "Youth Version of Peony Pavilion" being a systematic cultural and social project [3]. - The goal is to guide modern audiences to appreciate the beauty of Kunqu, ensuring its relevance in contemporary life [3][4]. Group 4: Innovation and Future Prospects - The integration of diverse cultural resources and innovative approaches is essential for the ongoing vitality of Kunqu [4]. - The "Youth Version of Peony Pavilion" serves as an artistic bridge between Kunqu and contemporary society, illustrating the dynamic nature of traditional culture [4].