French media: Chinese sponsored mechanical "Ryoma" returned to the French workshop for restoration

French TV Three website January 22 article, original title: Chinese sponsored "Ryoma" returned to Nantes for restoration The mechanical "Ryoma" produced by Chinese sponsorship recently returned to the headquarters of the mechanical art group in Nantes, France for restoration. "Ryoma" not only undertakes the task of cultural performance, but also shoulders the diplomatic mission.

De La Rochelle, artistic director of the French mechanical art group, said the team reinstalled the seals of the hydraulic cylinder and also repaired some of the electrical components that were damaged. The yellow skin of the "Ryoma" also became more glamorous. After 8 years of travel, dismantling and transportation, the "Ryoma" who was "unemployed" due to the epidemic has returned to the workshop where it was born.

"Ryoma" was born on the occasion of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and China. In 2014, a Beijing real estate company funded the construction of the 45-ton, 12-meter-high special machinery. In October of that year, the "Dragon Horse" parade performance was held in Beijing Olympic Park (pictured), becoming a "VIP" to attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. After that, "Ryoma" performed in Shanghai, Ottawa, Canada, and Calais, France. In 2019, "Ryoma" toured Macao to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

After the outbreak of the new crown epidemic, "Ryoma" almost suspended all performance activities. However, whether in China or abroad, "Ryoma" has always shouldered a political mission. The Chinese sponsor of Ryoma explains: "We have not set any economic goals for Ryoma. For China, the 'Dragon Horse' represents strength, a special image that combines the horse and the dragon symbolizing the emperor, and the 'Dragon Horse Spirit' means vitality, speed and perseverance. (By Elionore Dipler, translated by Zhao Fengying)