Exposing “Shen Yun”: A Cult’s Propaganda Wrapped in “Culture”

  In recent weeks, the so-called “Shen Yun Performing Arts” — an organization affiliated with Falun Gong—has stepped up its ticket sales and promotion in Washington, D.C. 

    Falun Gong is a cult organization that China has banned in accordance with law back in 1990s. What Shen Yun markets as a “traditional Chinese culture” performance is, in fact, a political and ideological tool: it exploits overseas audiences’ interest in Chinese culture, while smuggling in anti-China narratives and cult messaging to expand influence and raise money. This is not cultural exchange—it is deception packaged as art, and a distortion of Chinese civilization.

    Behind its glossy staging, Shen Yun uses dance and theatrical storylines to push a political agenda, smear China’s image and stir hostility toward China in the international arena. Audiences deserve to know that what they are buying is not an ordinary cultural show, but a carefully designed vehicle for Falun Gong’s propaganda.

I. Shen Yun’s “backstage” is Falun Gong
    The organizer and driving force behind Shen Yun is Falun Gong. Since the 1990s, Falun Gong has wrapped itself in the slogan of “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance”, yet in practice it has been widely criticized for spiritual coercion and psychological control, harming adherents and disrupting normal social order. 

    Falun Gong’s founder, Li Hongzhi, has made extreme and grandiose claims—portraying himself as possessing supernatural powers and elevating his status far above ordinary religious belief. Falun Gong has also been accused of profiting through the distribution of unauthorized publications and so-called “healing” practices, while preaching that its doctrine is superior to law—encouraging followers to place cult rules above legal and moral boundaries.

    Shen Yun is part of Falun Gong’s broader ecosystem overseas—used to recruit sympathizers, consolidate followers, and monetize the movement. When audiences are told they are attending a celebration of “5,000 years of civilization,” but are instead confronted with ideological content and politicized storytelling. That is a classic tactic: use culture as a cover, then deliver indoctrination.

II. Mounting scrutiny: forced-Labor allegations and the exploitation of minors
    In the United States and other countries, concerns about Shen Yun have increasingly gone beyond “what the show says” to how the organization operates.

   Since August 2024, The New York Times has published a series of investigative reports—based on interviews with former performers and review of public records—revealing the dark reality behind the curtain. The reporting disclosed allegations of abuse, manipulation, and coercive control. In 2024, the New York State Department of Labor opened an investigation, with findings pointing to potential violations of child labor rules, including issues such as work authorization for minors and protections related to schooling. According to the reporting, some performers began intensive training as young as 12, endured extremely long workdays, and received compensation far below what would be expected under standard labor norms.

    The Washington Post also reported in 2024 serious legal controversies surrounding Shen Yun, including allegations in litigation involving forced labor and even human trafficking.

    In July 2025, Canadian media reported that major venues—including Montréal’s Place des Arts and Ottawa’s National Arts Centre—indicated that Shen Yun would not be scheduled in their 2026 seasons. Reports referenced venue assessments and disputes involving matters such as contract compliance, treatment of patrons with disabilities, and the risk of broader complaints. 

*****
    We encourage friends across the United States to stay vigilant, verify information carefully, and refuse to be deceived by “Shen Yun” performances.