The vibrant dance started early on Wednesday morning, the first day of the Chinese New Year which marked the arrival of the Year of the Snake. Folk artists donning eye-catching costumes performed in front of the Preah Ang Dorngkeu Shrine before making their way to the Royal Palace. This year's performance was joined by eight lion dance groups and organized by the Federation of Khmer Chinese, the largest association for the overseas Chinese community in Cambodia.
The Chinese New Year – which is known in China as the Spring Festival - is not a public holiday in Cambodia, but is still celebrated in the country.
Members of the lion dance troupe say the spectacle is held annually to honor the Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and to pray for a prosperous new year for all.
"We organized the lion dance performance at the Royal Palace to gain happiness and prosperity. And we have eight representative teams this year. Before we perform, we first need to visit the Royal Palace to gain the favor of protective angels and his Majesty the King. We believe that the angel that watches over us is powerful. After we perform, when we then perform at the houses of our Cambodian-Chinese relatives. We wish for a happy and prosperous New Year," said Kim Chhayhout, a member of the Sinh Yithang Lion Dance Group.
The Chinese New Year was recently recognized by UNESCO as one of humanity's intangible cultural heritages, highlighting its growing global presence. This year marks the Year of the Snake, which is said to represent wisdom, intuition and transformation.
Cambodia celebrates Chinese New Year with colorful lion dance performance
China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong has completed a significant upgrade and started underwater trials, according to the country's Ministry of Natural Resources.
The China-made underwater ship, named after a mythical sea dragon, is capable of diving to depths exceeding 7,000 meters. It has completed over 300 dives since its maiden mission in August 2009 and explored waters in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.
This latest upgrade, which began in November last year, aims to enhance its capabilities and support more frequent deep-sea missions.
According to the National Deep Sea Base Management Center, the upgrade focuses on critical components like the propulsion system and battery packs.
The propulsion system has been adjusted structurally to increase the speed from 2.5 to over three nautical miles per hour, with the replacement of three-bladed propellers with more efficient four-bladed versions.
The zinc-silver battery pack has been replaced with high-energy-density flexible lithium battery pack, which aims to improve the power reserve and reduce diving costs.
The submersible's observation capabilities have also been enhanced. An array of cameras, including high-definition video cameras and powerful lighting systems, are equipped to facilitate underwater exploration and resource assessment.
Further upgrades include two more LED light arrays at the front and three more lights at the rear and bottom, expanding the submersible's detection range and improving its ability to locate specific targets.
"This upgrade prioritizes enhancing our operational tools. We've upgraded the electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical components, observation, and communications equipment to cater to the needs of deep-sea exploration and improve operational efficiency," said Qi Haibin, a submersible pilot.
Following the underwater trials to test its stability, Jiaolong will undergo sea trials in the South China Sea in March to validate its enhanced capabilities.
"Jiaolong will be sent to the South China Sea to conduct deep-sea equipment verification. After completing the process, there will be extensive missions ahead of us," Qi said.
The submersible is scheduled for further scientific expeditions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans later this year.
China's manned deep-sea submersible completes major upgrade, prepares for exploration
