Chongqing - On February 1, the Chongqing Spring Festival Gala with the Foreign Consulates General was held to fortify international friendships and collaborative endeavors.

The Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government and the Yuzhong District People's Government jointly orchestrated this significant event under the theme of Joining Hands with Chongqing for Win-Win Cooperation.

This gathering welcomed consulate officials from over 20 countries, including Cambodia, Philippines, Belarus, Japan, Austria, and Singapore, alongside representatives from foreign, Hong Kong, and Macao organizations and institutions, amassing over a hundred distinguished attendees. 

The gala was characterized by an array of traditional activities like wristband weaving, calligraphy couplets crafting, and the gifting of traditional sachets, all contributing to a festive Chinese New Year ambiance. These interactive experiences, alongside a retrospective video showcasing the memorable interactions between Chongqing and foreign consulates throughout 2023, and performances including children's intangible cultural heritage shows, folk music, and meticulously prepared songs, dances, and Tai Chi demonstrations by consulates of Japan, Myanmar, Italy, Hungary, captivated the audience, earning widespread acclaim. The event culminated in a unifying chorus of Auld Lang Syne by both Chinese and foreign children at the Chongqing Children's Palace, symbolizing the shared joy and aspirations for the New Year.

The performance of the chorus of Auld Lang Syne. (Photo/The 2024 Chongqing Spring Festival Gala with Foreign Consulates General)

Beyond a mere cultural celebration, the gala stood as a testament to the commitment towards deepening international understanding and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation, setting the stage for future collaborations and bolstering Chongqing's role in global exchanges.

The gifting of traditional sachets. (Photo/The 2024 Chongqing Spring Festival Gala with Foreign Consulates General)