More than 130 guests gathered at the Chinese Consulate General in New York on Friday for a China–US cross-cultural concert featuring Chinese and American youth performing each other's classics to foster cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people ties.

At the event, titled "Echoes Across the Ocean --  a China–US songfest", Consul General Chen Li invoked the Chinese concept of "Zhi Yin" — soul mate -- to highlight the shared aspirations of young people in both countries.

"In Chinese, we use the term 'zhi yin' to describe a soulmate, which literally translates to one who understands another through music. Young people in both China and the US yearn for success, pursue happiness, and share a deep curiosity about the world. I hope today's event can help you find your 'zhi yin'," Chen said in his opening remarks.

He added, "The future of the China-US relationship lies in its youth. No matter how the world changes, I hope the bond between our young people remains strong and our desire to be zhi yin stays unchanged."

Performers from both countries sang each other's classic songs with heartfelt emotion. The concert opened with an American singer's rendition of "I Love You, China", evoking a deep sense of nostalgia among overseas Chinese in attendance.

The program featured a blend of popular songs from both countries, including "Over the Rainbow", "Close to You" and "The Moon Represents My Heart".

The concert reached its climax with a bilingual rendition of "Auld Lang Syne", as guests joined in unison, forging connections and friendship through the universal language of music.

Beyond the stage, guests bonded over Hanfu and Chinese tea, deepening cultural exchange and sharing a hopeful vision for the future in the spirit of spring.

Clark Wu, a member of The Spizzwinks, an undergraduate a cappella group from Yale University, performed several Chinese songs. He told China Daily before the event that his group had previously toured China.

"I think people really got into learning, even just a little bit of Chinese."

"Music is an easy way to unite people, and also I think it's just nice to see on a more ordinary people to ordinary people level that these kinds of exchanges still happen, because I think it is very important in this day and age," he added.

Carly Beth, one of the performers from New York State, said she is enthusiastic about Chinese culture.

"My Chinese isn't perfect, but I really love to speak in Chinese and connect with all Chinese people all over the world," she told China Daily, adding that events like this help promote cultural exchange.

"(This event is) like a bridge between cultures, and I feel like in America there are so many Chinese people, I feel like we need more events like this connecting both cultures, because I don't think enough Americans realize how awesome China and the Chinese people are, and how awesome the culture can be."

bilinlin@chinadailyusa.com