Chinese New Year celebrations held across world

As the Spring Festival approaches, a diverse array of activities with unique Chinese characteristics has been held overseas, enabling foreign friends to experience the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.

The "Happy Spring Festival -- Intangible Cultural Heritage Elegance Gathering" event took place at the Cultural Office of the Chinese Embassy in the UK. The Spring Festival Gala promotional video from the China Media Group was played on-site, allowing guests to experience the festive atmosphere and the unique charm of Chinese culture.

The event showcased intangible cultural heritage projects like instrument and opera performances, Tai Chi, Chinese calligraphy, and paper-cutting. Guests actively participated and immersed themselves in the strong Spring Festival atmosphere and the brilliance of Chinese cultural treasures.

In Japan, a Spring Festival gala was held on Saturday in Tokyo, organized by the Federation of Chinese Associations in Japan. Artists from both China and Japan presented shows such as lion dance, folk dances, and traditional musical instrument playing for the audience.

Japanese guests joining the event gave their Spring Festival wishes in Chinese. "I love China. I love Chinese festivals. Wish you all a happy Spring Festival," said former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at the event.

"I love Chinese festivals. Happy Spring Festival," said Tokuichiro Utsunomiya, president of the Japan-China Friendship Association.

The Chinese Pavilion built during the Expo 2020 Dubai hosted a special intangible cultural heritage Spring Festival celebration on Friday. Woodblock Chinese New Year paintings, paper cutting, tea culture, and Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) dressing experiences made China's intangible cultural heritage accessible for many local visitors.

Some said traditional Chinese sports on display such as Chuiwan (ancient Chinese golf game) and Pitch-pot made them feel as if they had traveled back to the ancient times of China.

"I really like those clothes, the traditional clothes. That's why I wear it. It's really good actually, as I think it's [a] lucky color. It's fortune as well," said Karen, a tourist from the Philippines.

A Chinese worker in Dubai who watched the Spring Festival Gala promotional video said he looks forward to the final show on Tuesday.

"The Spring Festival Gala now feels more refreshing because it uses brand-new digital projection technology, giving people a sense of keeping pace with the times and technological progress," said Hu Jiajing, an employee of a Chinese company in Dubai.

In Indonesia, the 2025 "Happy Spring Festival" flash mob event was held at the Halim Station of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Many viewers were surprised by the grand lion dance and folk music performances at site.

"There was a lion dance today, and I got a mascot. I'm so happy," said Else, a local resident.

"I hope the new year will be better and everyone will gain something," said Wilson, another local resident.

The first Spring Festival concert of the 2025 "Happy Spring Festival" by the China Central Opera House in Europe was recently held in Brussels, Belgium, with the aim of using music as a bridge to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and European people.

Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao, envoys from various countries to Belgium, EU officials, and more than 400 representatives from all walks of life in Belgium attended the event.

Chinese New Year celebrations held across world

Chinese New Year celebrations held across world

China's first domestically-built cruise ship, Adora Magic City, has gained traction among consumers with a new vacation experience since its sail last year, while stimulating spending across various sectors from tourism and hospitality to retail and entertainment.

With 323.6 meters in length and 2,125 rooms, the cruise ship can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers at full capacity. The ship also boasts 26 restaurants and bars, offering diverse culinary options from Chinese dishes to Western steaks, Italian pizza, and German beer.

"We drove here from Hangzhou, directly to the dock in Shanghai and boarded the cruise. This one is relatively new, and its dining options are more suited to Chinese tastes," said a tourist.

"We've brought parents and children along with us on this journey. Cruises are very convenient since meals and accommodations are all included, making it hassle-free," said another tourist.

The cruise ship also offers a variety of leisure options, including theatrical performances, a shopping plaza, an art gallery, and a water park, making it a destination for entertainment and family-friendly fun.

The cruise ship started its commercial maiden voyage on Jan 1, 2024. Since then, it has driven consumption, fostered the cruise economy's ecosystem development, and boosted collaboration within the industry.

"Data from the first quarter of this year shows that the cruise tourism market is still prosperous. We are seeing high occupancy rates. Our industry system is gradually taking shape, encompassing independent design, construction, supply, and operation. Particularly, on the operational side, we have achieved a nearly 100-percent local procurement," said Gu Pengcheng, vice president of Adora Cruise.

The cruise ship also drew more overseas tourists, bringing them to explore Shanghai's iconic landmarks, such as the Yuyuan Garden and the Bund.

In the first quarter of 2025, data showed that Shanghai's border and inspection station inspected more than 180 cruises and 510,000 passengers.

China's first domestically-built cruise ship becomes consumer favorite