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Thunder of Chinese Drums Reverberates Across the Globe, Showcasing Cultural Power and Pride

by Madonna

As the Year of the Snake approaches, preparations for the local Chinese New Year Gala in Oregon, US, are in full swing, with one performance expected to steal the show: a captivating drumline display.

The drumline, known as the “Mulan Team,” consists of over 40 Chinese Americans living in Oregon. The team, inspired by the legendary Chinese warrior Hua Mulan, gained national attention after performing on an NBA court in late 2024.

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Dong Wenzhu, one of the founders of the drumline, reflects fondly on the overwhelming applause that followed their performance. “I want to show people from all cultural backgrounds that China is the birthplace of percussion instruments,” Dong said, having been dedicated to promoting cultural exchange through traditional Chinese activities.

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Fan Xudong, a local dragon boat team manager who was born in China and now holds US citizenship, shared his experiences of how cultural pride and identity are constantly reinforced through such events. “Our cultural sense of pride resonates with those around us, and people, no matter their background, are eager to learn about our culture. In recent years, I’ve met even some indigenous people who seem to know more about Chinese culture than we do,” Fan noted.

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For Dong, Fan, and the other drumline members, these performances are not just about the spectacle or the competition, but about cultural pride, identity, and the transcendent power of Chinese traditions.

Dong recalls a moment before a Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks game when the drumline first appeared on court in traditional mamianqun (horse-face skirts) with their large drums. “At first, the crowd barely noticed us. But once we struck the first beat, the sound filled the arena. Heads turned, eyes widened, and by the end, the applause was deafening. The host kept expressing amazement and even asked us to perform again.”

This stunning performance was a departure from the usual cheerleading halftime shows, offering instead a mesmerizing mix of traditional oriental rhythms and bold, powerful drum movements.

The drums, made in Central China’s Henan Province — a historical drum production hub — were shipped to the US for this performance. Chinese drums have a rich history, once used in ceremonies, celebrations, and even on battlefields. With their deep, resonating sounds, they symbolize strength, unity, and power. Today, in the hands of the Mulan Team, these ancient instruments serve a new purpose as cultural ambassadors, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western cultures.

Since its formation in 2022, the Mulan drumline has staged over 30 performances annually, including at festivals, schools, and cultural galas throughout Oregon and Washington. Their efforts have earned them a solid reputation in the region. A particularly memorable performance with hundreds of high school students left an indelible impression, inspiring many students to try the drums themselves.

Through their drumline, dragon boat races, and traditional Chinese attire such as hanfu, Dong and others in Oregon’s Chinese community are actively promoting a range of cultural practices. Fan, whose dragon boat team is made up of local Chinese community members, emphasized how dedicated the participants are. “They’ve sacrificed their personal time and experienced great joy from these activities. As a result, their engagement continues to grow, and their skills and physical abilities keep improving.”

Fan also noticed that after each dragon boat race, many participants, even those from different cultural backgrounds, were familiar with the ancient Chinese legend of Qu Yuan, the famous poet and nobleman of the Warring States period (475 BC–221 BC). “This shows that people are not just participating in the Dragon Boat Festival, but are learning about its origins. It also highlights the growing spread of Chinese culture beyond our borders,” Fan observed. Dragon boat events have become so popular across the US that they are now commonly held in many cities.

Both the dragon boat team and the drumline aim to promote Chinese culture by involving the Chinese-American community in everyday activities. These events not only foster cultural pride but also encourage younger generations to explore their heritage. “For us, as middle-aged Chinese-Americans, it’s a meaningful cultural journey,” said Fan.

Chinese communities are increasingly coming together to celebrate and share their heritage more openly. From calligraphy workshops and tea culture classes to lion dances and lantern festivals, Chinese traditions are experiencing a vibrant resurgence across the globe.

Dong hopes to bring her drumline and the powerful sound of Chinese drums to larger stages around the world, believing that as Chinese culture gains greater influence, this dream is within reach.

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