
Yu Zhang
Yu Zhang
‘The Moon Represents My Heart’ (月亮代表我的心) is a famous Chinese love song originally sung by Teresa Teng in the 1970s. It is deeply connected to Chinese culture and is cherished by people across generations.
In the song, the moon serves as a metaphor for eternal love and deep emotions, resonating with traditional Chinese poetry themes. The moon holds significant cultural meaning in Chinese tradition, symbolizing reunion, longing, and love, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival (usually in every year September) when families gather under the full moon.
The song emerged during a time when China was opening up to the world after the Cultural Revolution. Its emotional depth and tenderness were refreshing and inspiring for Chinese audiences, making it a sentimental anthem.
The song has been covered countless times by artists worldwide and played at family gatherings, weddings, and cultural events, embedding it in Chinese popular culture. Its emotional authenticity continues to resonate, making it a beloved classic passed down through generations.
The melody is simple yet hauntingly beautiful, making it easy to remember and emotionally moving. Its themes of love, longing, and devotion are universal, yet its cultural depth makes it unique. This song resonates on multiple levels, expressing love for a partner, family, or homeland, bridging the personal and the universal.
I have a background in fine arts and interaction design. Over the past years, I have designed and researched interactive systems that respond to everyday phenomena, environmental concerns, child-system interaction, online collaboration platforms, and uncertainty in data visualization. As an educator, my teaching experience covers a broad range from traditional classrooms and workshops to design-led project-based learning activities. Currently, I am working and living in the Netherlands.