Art Journey | Hello, Paris – Magic Finger International Art Festival Sets Off

Next Stop, Paris

/

Paris, the world’s art capital, is a city steeped in history and rich in culture. Here, ancient architecture blends seamlessly with modern charm, creating a unique and romantic atmosphere. It is home to world-leading fashion brands that set global trends, the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa, the graceful elegance of the Venus de Milo, and the celebrated masterpieces of Impressionist art that sparkle like stars. Visionaries like Victor Hugo, Romain Rolland, and André Gide once drew inspiration from this land, capturing Paris’s beauty and brilliance in their literary works.

Paris is also an unparalleled musical haven, having nurtured legendary composers like Debussy and Ravel. It carries countless dreams and tales of music. From Baroque to Romanticism, Impressionism to Modernism, each era has brought forth a unique emotional expression. From grand opera houses to cozy corner cafés, the streets of Paris are alive with melodies that enhance the city’s endless allure.

 

Hello, Paris

/

In 2024, the Liu Jian Art Education Group organized a significant event: the Magic Finger International Art Festival. The opening concert, held on May 21 at the French Consulate General’s residence in Shanghai, brought together Chinese and French artists to present a stunning fusion of Eastern and Western artistry. The event attracted numerous prominent figures, adding to the festival’s grandeur.

Ms. Xie Na, a renowned Chinese host (far left)

Mr. Liu Jian, Founder of Liu Jian Art Education Group (second from the left)

Mr. Wang Du, French Consul in Shanghai (second from the right)

Mr. Gong Weijie, World Badminton Champion (far right)

As we step into 2025, the Magic Finger International Art Festival is ready to embark on its next journey. The next stop will take us across borders to France, where we will launch a profound artistic exploration—“Magic Finger International Art Festival: Paris Edition” and Liu Jian Art 2025 Spring Study Tour.

This festival will lead students to visit top institutions, renowned museums, and iconic landmarks for immersive learning and exchange. The program includes systematic and professional training, with world-class music professors providing personal instruction to help students enhance their performance skills. During the tour, participants will also attend the festival’s Paris opening event, enjoying a musical feast presented by artists from China and France. They will experience Paris’s rich artistic atmosphere and absorb the essence of world-class art.

The Artistic Journey

/

 

DAY 1: January 23, 2025 (Thursday, Lunar New Year’s Eve)

• Depart from various cities in China

• Arrive in Paris

• Experience French cuisine culture

 

DAY 2: January 24, 2025 (Friday, Lunar New Year’s Day)

• Opening ceremony of the study tour

• Masterclass: European Etiquette

• Masterclass: Music Appreciation

• Stroll through the Marais district

 

DAY 3: January 25, 2025 (Saturday, Lunar New Year’s Day 2)

• Masterclass: European Literature

• Masterclass: Fine Art

• Sino-French Children’s Exchange Concert

During this study tour, Liu Jian Art will host a Sino-French Children’s Exchange Concert at the Paris Art City, providing young musicians from both countries with a platform for mutual understanding and learning. Through music, they will learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures.

 

 

DAY 4：2025.01.26, Sunday, 28th of the Twelfth Lunar Month

Hotel practice session

Concert at the Paris Conservatory of Music

Opening Ceremony of the Magic Finger International Art Festival in Paris + Cocktail Reception

 

The Paris Conservatory of Music is an internationally renowned institution located in an upscale district in the heart of Paris. It was founded in 1919 by the famous French pianist Alfred Cortot. The school is known for its rigorous academic standards and has trained many experts and scholars in music education and performance, earning a high reputation worldwide and receiving several accolades from the French Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Public Works.

The Magic Finger International Art Festival is a special event launched by Liu Jian Art Education Group in 2024. The opening concert was held in Shanghai. The Paris station’s opening concert will take place at the Paris Conservatory of Music. Top artists from China and France will perform together, with many notable figures in attendance, to celebrate this extraordinary moment.

 

DAY 5：2025.01.27, Monday, 29th of the Twelfth Lunar Month

All-day: Deauville Racecourse

5-star horse racing experience, boat tour, seaside horse ride with a Chinese-speaking guide.

 

Deauville Racecourse is located in the Calvados department of Normandy in northwest France, near the coast, and is known as a summer vacation destination. It was built in 1862 under the supervision of Duke Monny. With a long history, this venue has been the setting for various events, including Jay Chou’s filming of “Travel Around the World”.

 

DAY 6：2025.01.28, Tuesday, Chinese New Year’s Eve, 29th of the Twelfth Lunar Month

Visit to the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower

Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame Cathedral

New Year’s Eve Dinner

The Arc de Triomphe is a representative building in the Imperial style, modeled after ancient Roman architecture. It is one of France’s landmark buildings. The arches on the top and both sides depict six major battles and are especially grand. It also houses a small historical museum and offers spectacular views of Paris, including the bustling Champs-Élysées.

 

The Champs-Élysées is located in Paris’s commercial center, aligning with the Louvre and the new Arc de Triomphe. It is also called the Arc de Triomphe Avenue and is one of the three most famous avenues in the world, as well as one of the “Top Ten Charming Pedestrian Streets”.

 

The Eiffel Tower, located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, was constructed in 1887 and designed by the famous engineer Gustave Eiffel. It was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and served as the entrance to the 1889 World Expo. It is a symbol of French culture, a landmark of Paris, and the tallest building in the city, affectionately called “Iron Lady” by the French.

 

The Musée d’Orsay is a French national museum, established in 1986, located in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, across the river from the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens. It holds one of the largest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world, often referred to as “the most beautiful museum in Europe”. It is considered one of Paris’s three major art museums, along with the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou.

 

Notre-Dame Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris, is a Roman Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité in Paris. Construction began in 1163. It is one of the most significant and iconic monuments in France, one of Europe’s most famous Gothic cathedrals, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

DAY 7：2025.01.29, Wednesday, First Day of the Lunar New Year

Shopping at the Outlet Mall

Shopping at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps

 

Paris is an ideal shopping paradise, with countless high-end fashion boutiques. The city’s atmosphere also influences the outlets, blending top fashion with French style. Whether it’s world-renowned international brands or trendsetting local designers, you can enjoy incredible discounts on fashionable items here.

Galeries Lafayette, opened in 1893, is located at 40 Boulevard Haussmann, near the Paris Opera House. It became famous for its palace-like decoration.

 

Printemps, founded in 1865, is part of a global retail group with upscale stores and luxury brands. It is not only a luxury shopping destination for tourists but also a must-see attraction in Paris.

 

DAY 8：2025.01.30, Thursday, Second Day of the Lunar New Year

All-day: Free time for exploration

 

DAY9：2025.01.30 Friday (3rd Day of Lunar New Year)

Visit the Palace of Versailles

Cruise on the Seine River

 

The Palace of Versailles is located in Versailles, the capital of Yvelines province, southwest of Paris. Built in 1624, it covers an area of 1.1 million square meters. Known as one of Paris’ most famous palaces, it is listed among the “Five Great Palaces of the World” alongside the Forbidden City in China, Buckingham Palace in the UK, the White House in the US, and the Kremlin in Russia. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The Palace of Versailles consists of three main parts: the grand garden in front of the palace, the palace itself, and the radiating avenues. The architecture adopts a classical style, creating perfect symmetry with a central axis. The interior decor is primarily Baroque, with a few Rococo elements. The palace is adorned with countless invaluable sculptures and paintings, housing approximately 60,000 treasures.

 

The Seine River, located in northern France, originates from the Langres Plateau in the Burgundy region and stretches 776.6 kilometers. Including its tributaries, its basin covers an area of 78,700 square kilometers. As one of Europe’s historically significant rivers, it is known as the “Mother River of Paris.” In 1900, during Paris’ first Olympic Games, swimming competitions were held in the Seine. In 1991, the Seine River banks in Paris were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On July 26, 2024, at 7:30 pm Paris time, the opening ceremony of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games was held on the Seine River, marking the first time in modern Olympic history that the opening ceremony was hosted in an open urban space. During the Games, marathon swimming and the swimming events of the triathlon were also held in the Seine.

 

DAY10：2025.02.01 Saturday (4th Day of Lunar New Year)

Visit Monet’s Garden

Explore Montmartre Hill, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and more

 

Monet’s Garden, the former residence of the famous French painter Claude Monet, is a must-visit. In late April 1883, Monet passed through this small town by train and was captivated by its tranquility. He decided to settle here and lived there until his death in 1926. The garden is divided into two sections: the water garden and the flower garden. The flower garden, also known as the Normandy Garden, lies in front of the house and spans about one hectare. The water garden, an artificial lake filled with water lilies, inspired Monet’s famous works, including the “Water Lilies” and “Japanese Bridge” series.

 

Montmartre, located in the northern part of Paris, is relatively elevated compared to other districts, earning it the name “Montmartre Hill.” It is Paris’ youngest district, incorporated into the city in 1860. One of Montmartre’s symbols is the Moulin Rouge at the foot of the hill. In the late 19th century, Montmartre became a haven for wandering artists who gathered there to create and sell their work, infusing the area with an artistic atmosphere.

At the hilltop stands another iconic landmark: the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, located on Montmartre Hill, offers a panoramic view of Paris and is surrounded by artistically vibrant streets. Designed by French architect Paul Abadie, the exterior is in a Roman-Byzantine style and is constructed with a special limestone that becomes whiter after exposure to rain, ensuring the basilica remains pristine. In front of the church is a square featuring a statue of Joan of Arc on horseback, symbolizing her bravery.

Inside the basilica, the decorations are exquisite, with stained glass windows and mosaic murals being standout features. Above the altar is a massive ceiling mural depicting Jesus Christ surrounded by worshippers and angels.

 

DAY11 2025.02.02 Sunday (5th Day of Lunar New Year)

Visit the Paris Opera House and the Louvre

Visit Chopin’s Tomb

Farewell Banquet

 

The Paris National Opera House, also known as the Palais Garnier, is located in the heart of Paris. It has 2,200 seats and a total area of 11,237 square meters. It is France’s center for ballet, opera, and music, as well as a world-renowned cultural landmark.

Designed by Charles Garnier in 1861, the opera house is a masterpiece of eclecticism, combining elements of Greek and Roman colonnades with Baroque features. It is a prime example of Napoleon III-style architecture, grand in scale and meticulously detailed.

 

The Louvre, located on the north bank of the Seine River in central Paris, was established in 1204 and covers an area of 4.8 hectares. As one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most famous museums, it is ranked as the leading museum among the “Four Great Museums of the World.”

The Louvre is divided into six sections: Greek and Roman Art, Egyptian Art, Oriental Art, Painting, Sculpture, and Decorative Art. It houses over 400,000 priceless artifacts from around the globe, including ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian relics, as well as items from France, Italy, and other countries. Its three most famous treasures are the “Venus de Milo,” the “Winged Victory of Samothrace,” and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.”

 

The Polish composer and “Poet of the Piano,” Frédéric Chopin, is buried on a small hill. In 1831, Chopin settled in France. He later met French writer George Sand, who was six years his senior. Their sweet romance inspired Chopin’s creative work. However, their relationship ended in 1847, leaving Chopin heartbroken and creatively drained. In 1849, Chopin passed away from a lung illness in Paris at the age of 39. His modest tomb features a sculpture of a grieving maiden holding a violin, symbolizing the public’s sorrow and admiration for the gifted maestro.

 

DAY12：2025.02.03 Monday (6th Day of Lunar New Year)

End of the trip. Depart from Charles de Gaulle Airport T2E on a direct flight, returning to China on February 3, 2025.

About the “Magic Finger International Art Festival”

To promote cultural and artistic exchange between China and France and strengthen the traditional friendship between the two nations, the Liu Jian Art Education Group launched the “Magic Finger International Art Festival” in 2024. The festival is primarily organized by the Liu Jian Art Education Group, with General François Kessler, former chairman of the Charles de Gaulle Foundation, serving as the French chairman of the festival.

The festival includes concerts and masterclasses held in Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangsu. Outside of China, the festival will also be hosted in French cities like Paris and Lyon, featuring 2-3 concerts. At each concert, top-tier artists from China and France will perform together, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations and the Sino-French Year of Culture and Tourism, a historically significant occasion.

The Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Opening Concert of Magic Finger International Art Festival

Founder of the Liu Jian Art Education Group, delivered a speech