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Overseas Chinese Celebrate Chinese New Year with Food, Festivities in Chongqing

By YAN DENGFENG, XIAOLOU|Jan 24,2025

Chongqing - On January 23, the "Thousands of Overseas Chinese Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chongqing" event was launched in Jiangbei District, Chongqing. Nearly 10,000 overseas Chinese from countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam gathered in Chongqing to enjoy a festive tour filled with food tastings, intangible cultural heritage performances, and traditional folk activities.

On January 23, the "Thousands of Overseas Chinese Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chongqing" event kicked off in Jiangbei District, Chongqing. (Photo/Deng Yan)

Upon arriving at the event, overseas Chinese were greeted with fragrant plum blossoms, symbolizing the season. They then gathered to enjoy Chongqing's iconic winter dish, Pork Soup, served in a lively "Long Table Banquet" format, which fostered a warm and festive atmosphere.

Li Renbo, Vice President of the Chongqing Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and President of the Chongqing Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said, "This event aims to unite overseas Chinese and let them experience the unique charm of Chongqing's New Year celebrations. Starting in Jiangbei District, we will move to Beibei District for the Lantern Festival and to Changshou District on New Year's Day. The event's reach also extends to rural areas, with the first group of visitors having already arrived in southern Chongqing's districts, such as Nanchuan, Pengshui, Wulong, and Youyang, where they'll explore the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage."

"This is also an opportunity to bring more attention to Chongqing's tourism market and foster greater exchanges," Li emphasized.

Li Renbo, Vice President of Chongqing Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and Chongqing Chinese Chamber of Commerce President. (Photo/Deng Yan)

Among the international visitors, Peter Reilly, a special professor of foreign languages at Chongqing University of Technology, said, "The atmosphere here reminds me of American Thanksgiving. It's all about family, food, and togetherness. It's a wonderful celebration." 

American Couple Stefan Lewandowski and Merlin Lewandowski said, "Chongqing is incredibly international and vibrant, reminiscent of Times Square in New York. The city offers amazing food, scenery, and culture. Celebrating the Chinese New Year here, with its focus on family, food, and traditions like red envelopes, feels very special.

We look forward to exploring more of China and creating lasting memories."  

American Couple Stefan Lewandowski and Merlin Lewandowski. (Photo/Deng Yan)

One of the event's highlights was the "360 Bowls of Chongqing Flavors" tour, which introduced participants to various local specialties. Xiang Junyi, Staff of Wang Dama Rap Oil,  "We learned that overseas Chinese would be coming to experience Chongqing's local flavors, so we prepared high-quality oil in advance. This allows them to enjoy freshly fried snacks like crispy pork and fries."

In addition to the launching ceremony, Chongqing hosts vibrant Chinese New Year events across various districts, offering a blend of traditional activities, cultural performances, and local delicacies for overseas Chinese.

In Beibei District, visitors to Pianyan Ancient Town can try their hand at folk activities like making tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings), carving Fu characters, and painting sugar figures. They can also enjoy Sichuan opera performances and intangible cultural heritage crafts, including drumming and paper-cutting.

Changshou District offers a variety of Spring Festival activities at Bodhi Ancient Town and Changshou Museum. These include Chinese knot making, lantern DIY, and a cultural performance showcasing the district’s rich traditions.

In Shizhu County, a large-scale cultural performance, "Painting the Long River," will include music, poetry, and opera. Youyang County will highlight Tujia ethnic customs with activities like leaf flute performances and glutinous rice cake making, while Pengshui County invites visitors to celebrate the Miao Ethnic New Year Festival with bonfires, bamboo pole dances, and Miao wine.

This event strengthens the emotional and cultural ties between overseas Chinese and their homeland and promotes Chongqing as a global cultural and tourism destination, contributing to China's international influence and cultural confidence.  


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