A French woman's connection to Ningbo

Moxin (second on the left) at the meet-and-greet for the French musical Notre-Dame de Paris.

During a cast meet-and-greet for the French musical Notre-Dame de Paris at Ningbo Cultural Square Grand Theater on April 23, a woman captured the audience's attention. Elegantly dressed and switching seamlessly between French and Mandarin, her humorous and precise interpretations charmed them.

This interpreter is in fact a French national living in Ningbo. Her Chinese name, Wei Moxin, is a phonetic adaptation of her French name, Vicente Morgan. Friends often call her Moxin, and she has also embraced the online identity of "French sister Moxin".

Moxin arrived in Ningbo by chance. In May 2021, she and her husband, Wenzhou-native Cai Huimin, took a spontaneous trip to Ningbo. Captivated by its relaxed charm and welcoming vibe, they decided to settle down on the very day they arrived.

Moxin and her calligraphy works. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Fluent in Mandarin thanks to her dedication to learning through Chinese dramas, Moxin has found a deep connection with Ningbo and its people. She mingles with neighbors, explores local markets, and has even taken up traditional calligraphy. Her passion for Chinese culture is evident — her home features a study adorned with calligraphy scrolls and Chinese furnishings.

In 2024, which marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France, Moxin has participated in numerous cultural exchange events. Along with her singing skills, she demonstrated her proficiency of calligraphy at the Ningbo–France Friendship Salon to enthusiastic applause and bringing her French peers closer to Chinese culture.