Antiphonal singing on river: Bounding through lyrics and nature

International guests of the 2026 China Storyteller Partnerships boarded a cruise trip in the Wujiang Lizhi Gorge Tourist Area in Yanhe, Guizhou province, on March 29. There, it was not only the dramatic canyon scenery that captured their hearts.

The gorge is considered one of the most spectacular stretches of the river’s natural landscape gallery. Covering more than 23 kilometers, the scenic area features steep cliffs, overlapping mountains, deep gorges and dense forests, creating a striking natural panorama.

As the boat moved smoothly along the emerald-like river, the after-rain mist caressed the wavy canyon. The international guests paused to take photos, expressing amazement at the breathtaking scenery. Immersed in silence, awed by the grandeur of nature, the cruise soon turned into a lively celebration as the journey unfolded.

Enthralled by the picturesque surroundings, the guests began singing and dancing on the boat, creating a joyful atmosphere as the vessel glided through the gorge.

Along the way, they encountered another boat with local residents greeting them with traditional folk songs in an impromptu exchange. Through duige, an antiphonal singing style common in the region, the locals on the two boats shared melodies that echoed across the river, turning the moment into a spontaneous cultural interaction.

Visitors said they were deeply impressed not only by the natural beauty of the gorge but also by the warmth of the local people and the rich folk traditions of the region. For the international guests, the journey offered a memorable blend of scenery, music and cultural exchange.