Chongqing — Nearly 200 overseas Chinese from more than 10 countries and regions, along with international content creators, gathered in the city on March 3 for a vibrant Lantern Festival celebration. The event successfully concluded the second "Thousands of Overseas Chinese Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chongqing" series.

The celebration was held at the historic Ciqikou Ancient Town, as part of ongoing efforts to engage with global Chinese communities and showcase the city's cultural and tourism appeal.

On March 3, the "Thousands of Overseas Chinese Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chongqing" event kicked off in Shapingba District, Chongqing. (Photo/ Organizer)

Participants visited a special zone highlighting the city's international medical and wellness tourism services, which offer integrated health management featuring both modern and traditional Chinese medicine.

They also enjoyed a traditional communal banquet featuring local specialties, immersing in the distinctive culinary culture of the area.

Huang Lang, executive vice president of the Myanmar Sichuan-Chongqing General Chamber of Commerce, who has lived overseas for 13 years, said returning to Chongqing for the event was especially meaningful.

"I haven't felt such a strong New Year atmosphere in a long time," Huang said. He said the vibrant Spring Festival celebrations he witnessed reflected the country's strength, unity, and stability. "I also want to tell more overseas Chinese and friends abroad: Welcome to Chongqing to experience the charm of this 8D magical city and see the brilliant lights along the two rivers and four banks."

Karina, a Ukrainian content creator, attended the event with her mother. (Photo/ Organizer)

Karina, a Ukrainian blogger who attended the event with her mother, said the atmosphere was festive and deeply rooted in tradition. She said she plans to share her experience with her audience to introduce Chongqing’s culture and development to a wider international community.

In the afternoon, guests explored an exhibition featuring traditional Chinese New Year woodblock prints depicting stories of migration and settlement. Participants also tried printmaking techniques and toured the Ciqikou Mahua Museum, where they learned about and sampled the town’s signature snack.

Some attendees later watched the large-scale immersive stage production Chongqing 1949, performed in Shapingba District. The production portrays the city’s wartime history through immersive staging and visual design.

Overseas Chinese gathered for a group photo in front of the archway at Ciqikou. (Photo/ Organizer)

The Shapingba event followed earlier activities in Wanling Ancient Town in Rongchang District, forming part of a citywide relay under the “Thousands of Overseas Chinese Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chongqing” initiative.

An official with the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development said the series strengthened participants’ sense of cultural identity and belonging while presenting Bayu culture and Chongqing’s development achievements to international audiences. The city will continue expanding cultural tourism exchanges as it works toward becoming a globally recognized cultural tourism destination.