Society
By Jin Yingying
On Sep 2, Hangzhou officially announced the designation of the 1995 song Dream Paradise as the city’s official anthem.
Beloved throughout the city, the song has been cherished by generations of Hangzhou residents. To mark the occasion, the city hosted a press conference, unveiling a newly produced universal version of the Dream Paradise music video.
Originally composed in 1995, the song has evolved over the years and continues to resonate with audiences today. The performers in the new version, all born around 2000, are either native or new residents of Hangzhou.
Although the song never explicitly mentions “Hangzhou” in its lyrics, it beautifully captures the city’s charm and essence. Its captivating and singable melody has contributed to its enduring popularity.
Experts agreed that no changes should be made to the original lyrics or melody. The new music video features a children’s choir singing the chorus, followed by performances from four young local singers. While modern elements were added, the production stayed true to the original version.
Ying Hao, the original songwriter, shared his memories of composing the song at the press conference. “It was a hot August afternoon. After a rain shower, I was biking through the Yongjin Gate area when inspiration struck. I found a nearby phone booth and recorded the melody that would become this beloved song,” he recalled.
As part of the promotion, Hangzhou will release various versions of the song, including an English version, a children’s choir rendition, and an instrumental dance version.
Looking ahead, the city plans to encourage global musicians to reinterpret or remix Dream Paradise, giving it new expressions and continuing to enrich its legacy as Hangzhou’s anthem.