Beijing hosted a series of lively events across the city on Tuesday, the New Year's eve, to ring in 2025.
From countdown parties to cultural performances, the festivities offered residents and visitors a vibrant and unforgettable start of the New Year.
At Shougang Park, one of the most anticipated countdown events drew revelers into an exciting atmosphere.
The program featured performances of dancing, acrobatics, and a youth choir with participants from China and abroad, delighting the audience.
Organizers emphasized the event's blend of classic and modern styles, highlighting Beijing's cultural richness and youthful energy.
Merrymakers expressed hopes for a successful year in 2025.
"The year 2025 marks the first year of my career. And I hope to achieve success and make progress in my work," said a visitor.
"It's a joyous occasion, and the way it is being celebrated here in Beijing, I'm extremely happy to be here, it's a family gathering and we are having a wonderful time, I wish I take this opportunity to wish all my Chinese brothers and sisters a happy new year," said another visitor.
The 798 Art Zone was packed with crowds eager to celebrate the arrival of 2025.
A creative lion dance that fused tradition with modernity kicked off the festivities, followed by a light and music-filled countdown ceremony that heightened the celebratory spirit.
The art zone hosted diverse live performances, including street magic shows, opera performances and art parades, offering visitors a fresh cultural and tourism experience.
Beijing ushers in 2025 with vibrant celebrations
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said that China has the credibility and goodwill to help broker a lasting peace in the Middle East, and expects it to play a bigger role in the region's peace process.
Araghchi visited China from Dec 27 to 28, 2024, and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) on Dec 28, Araghchi shared his thoughts on China's emerging role as a mediator in the Middle East, including its efforts to broker a reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
On March 10, 2023, in a joint statement released with China in Beijing, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced that they had reached an agreement to reopen their embassies and diplomatic missions within two months, marking a milestone in the thawing of their relations.
"It has been more than a year (since the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran). The biggest achievement may be that Iran and Saudi Arabia have started a good process of restoring relations, and both sides are satisfied with the restoration of relations. The restoration of relations has brought benefits to both sides, and this (trend) is still continuing. The two sides have established a good relationship, and (related efforts) are still continuing. Of course, there is still a lot of untapped potential in Iran-Saudi relations, and the restoration of relations between the two countries is a gradual, slow but continuous process. We thank China for its efforts in this regard, and we know that China's help is full of goodwill and the effect is very good," said Araghchi. Araghchi also shared his expectations for China's role in the Middle East peace process in the future.
"We trust China, and we see China's goodwill. China maintains extensive economic and trade relations with all countries in the region, and maintains good and constructive relations with all countries. China is a respected and trustworthy country. I believe that such credibility can allow China to play a political role in the Middle East to help regional countries resolve differences and help them find a peaceful solution. Iran thanks China for its contribution and is willing to continue to cooperate with China," he said.
Iranian FM expects China to play bigger role in Middle East peace process
