A series of lectures in Xuhui District tells the story of the Communist Party of China through both classic and modern songs and dance.

Yesterday’s first lecture, attended by 500 people at Xuhui youth activity center, was delivered by six local historians and government officials. It focused on the history of the Party in the city.

Shanghai Dance Theatre presented a modern performance based on the stories of some of the female soldiers who served in the Red Army.

Xuhui is home to a number of important historical sites, including the residence of Tian Han, who wrote the national anthem.

A student choir from Shanghai No.2 Junior Middle School sang a graduation song written by Tian.

In 1934, Tian wrote the words of the anthem on a cigarette packet just before he was detained by the Kuomintang.