Celebrations underway across China on first day of Year of the Snake
Jan 29, 2025
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Zhou Jiaxin, a reporter known for her vibrant coverage of cultural events, shares the festive spirit of the Year of the Snake as celebrations ignite across China. She delves into local traditions, highlighting the Dongyue Temple Fair in Beijing and the lantern festival in Zibua. Jiaxin paints a vivid picture of lion dances, family feasts, and the resilience showcased during the Spring Festival, emphasizing how these events foster community and cultural connection, both at home and for those abroad.
China's Year of the Snake celebrations feature large-scale cultural activities and a record-breaking Spring Festival Gala showcasing traditional and modern performances.
Biodiversity protection initiatives in Yunnan highlight the shift towards sustainable practices, combining community engagement with economic benefits in eco-tourism and agriculture.
Deep dives
Celebrations of the Year of the Snake
China is celebrating the first day of the Year of the Snake with various festive activities. In Shandong province, a large lantern festival showcases over 120 installations that depict folktales, while traditional performances are featured in Chongqing's ancient town. The spring festival holiday is attracting crowds, with parks in Beijing recording over 150,000 visitors on the first day. These events reflect a blend of cultural heritage, harmony, and hope, central themes of the spring festival that is recognized as UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Record-Breaking Spring Festival Gala
The Spring Festival Gala hosted by CMG has set new records for live streaming and social media engagement, with over 2.8 billion viewers and 670 million interactions reported. This annual event features a diverse array of performances, including singing, dancing, and comedy sketches, showcasing a mix of traditional and modern elements. The 2025 gala is particularly notable as it coincides with the Spring Festival's inscription on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. Collaborations with international artists further enriched the celebration, emphasizing cultural exchange and the festive spirit.
The Importance of Family Reunion Dinners
Reunion dinners play a pivotal role in celebrating the Chinese New Year, symbolizing family togetherness and the pursuit of good fortune. In the Yongxin community of Sanxia in Hainan province, families prepared festive dishes, including regional specialties like Wenchang chicken and lotus root soup. This potluck-style dinner fosters a sense of community as residents share their culinary traditions. As conditions improve on the island, the festive atmosphere is amplified by the local focus on warmth, joy, and familial bonds during this significant occasion.
Sustainable Development and Biodiversity in Yunnan
The focus on biodiversity protection is a key element of China's sustainable development goals as the country aims for carbon neutrality by 2060. Yunnan province, known for its rich ecological diversity, serves as a model for conservation efforts, with initiatives aiming to restore degraded ecosystems and expand nature reserves. Driven by community engagement, local residents have shifted from traditional practices to conservation efforts, seeing the economic benefits of biodiversity through eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture. With government support and local involvement, these initiatives highlight the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Celebrations are underway across China on the first day of Year of the Snake (1:03). Qatar confirms Gaza Ceasefire progress, preparing for the next phase of talks (15:37). Trump’s order to pause all federal funding is meeting opposition (23:00).
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