Chongqing - On February 6, the "Nihao! China · Let’s Meet 2025 Happy Chinese New Year cultural exchange event started with a screen-lighting ceremony in Chongqing, China, and London, UK. The event, centered around interactive "Time-Space Magic Mirror" installations, bridges the two cities through real-time cultural interactions, celebrating the shared spirit of the Chinese New Year.

Officials and guests activated the dual-city screens at Chongqing's Changjiahui City Viewing Platform and London's King's Cross Station, marking the start of a five-day cultural dialogue. Until February 10, residents in both cities can interact daily from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Chongqing time) and 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (London time), sharing festive greetings.

Citizens from both Chongqing and London interacted in real-time through the big screen, passing on smiles, kudos, and hugs. (Photo/Western China International Communication Organization)

"With the inclusion of the Chinese Spring Festival in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the international community has recognized the global cultural value of this festival. This event, which uses the Chinese New Year as a bond and the Time-Space Magic Mirror as a medium, invites the British public and Chinese expatriates in the UK to interact in real-time with Chongqing residents, breaking spatial boundaries and bringing Chongqing's city culture to the UK. It allows us to share joy with London friends and invites everyone to join us in celebrating the New Year, feeling the unique charm of this city," said Zhang Qiong, Deputy Director-General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee.

At King's Cross Station, Pan Hang, Director Assistant of the China National Tourist Office London, shared, "Our interactive installation mirrors this magic, offering a gateway between China and the UK, between Chongqing and London, and between tradition and modernity."

He said, "Chongqing is often called an "8D city" due to its unique mountainous terrain. From the dazzling lights of Hongya Cave that resemble a real-life cyberpunk scene to the thrilling experience of Liziba Monorail passing through a residential building, Chongqing is a place like no other. Step into our 'New Year Photo Studio' to pose with Chongqing’s Hongya Cave or London's Tower Bridge this Chinese New Year. Send a wave to friends thousands of miles away through our live screens. Or pen a digital postcard at the 'New Year Post Office'—a small gesture that carries the warmth of cross-border wishes."

The guests from London lit the starting device together, symbolizing the official opening of the “Magic Door” for cultural exchanges between Chongqing and London. (Photo/Weber Oriental Ltd.)

Guests from Chongqing jointly lit the launching device, symbolizing the official opening of the “Magic Door” for cultural exchanges between Chongqing and London. (Photo/Western International Communication Organization)

During the event, both Chinese and British guests participated in a fun blind-box Q&A. They shared their unique insights about Chongqing and London. When asked to describe the two cities with one word, Wang Ya, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Chongqing Daily News Group, chose the word "Awesome," vividly illustrating the charm of Chongqing, "Chongqing's scenic views, its multi-level transportation system, and its intelligent manufacturing are all awesome. The vertical marathon is a perfect example. I invite our British friends to come to Chongqing and experience its 'Awesome'!"

Pan Hang, Assistant Director of the China National Tourist Office in London, chose "Diversity" to describe London. "London is a city of history and culture, known for its inclusiveness, blending architectural styles from different eras and people from different countries," he said. "Diversity also describes China, and we welcome people from all over the world to visit."

Ma Wenjun, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of Nan'an District, Chongqing, recommended the district's top three scenic spots: Chongqing's Danzishi Square, Tongyuanzhiguang Urban Balcony, and Nanshan Mountain Hotpot Street. He warmly welcomed global visitors, especially those from the UK, to experience the unique charm of Nan'an District. 

Renowned sinologist and historian Frances Wood recommended the Victoria and Albert Museum and King’s Cross Station. These historical and cultural landmarks offer a new, vibrant side of London.

Wang Haiyan, Director of the Fengdu County Culture and Tourism Development Commission, expressed hope that more international visitors, particularly from the UK, would come to experience Fengdu's carefully crafted cultural and tourism products, such as the Blessing Culture Festival and the Fengdu Temple Fair, in 2025. Local influencer Papanpanda, dressed in traditional Chinese Hanfu, expressed his desire to promote Chinese Hanfu culture in more locations and hoped to visit Chongqing to experience its "8D city" firsthand.

Citizens from both Chongqing and London interacted in real-time through the big screen, passing on smiles, kudos, and hugs. (Photo/Western China International Communication Organization)

The "Nihao! China · Let's Meet 2025 Happy Chinese New Year Chinese-British Cultural Exchange event has brought a distinctive cultural experience to the people of Chongqing and London. The event will run until February 10, with interactive screens at the Changjiahui City Viewing Platform in Chongqing and King’s Cross Station in London linking up in real time. People can exchange greetings, share festive wishes, and experience both cities' cultural collision between tradition and modernity.