As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, celebrations to welcome the Year of the Snake are unfolding around the world, from vibrant festivals in Canada's Vancouver to cultural galas in Washington D.C., Dhaka, and Harare.

These events highlight not only the rich traditions of Chinese culture but also the global friendships cultivated through multicultural festivities.

In Vancouver, Canada, the anticipation of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year is palpable within local shopping malls that have embraced the festival spirit.

Retailers have transformed their spaces with elaborate decorations reminiscent of China's cultural motifs, creating an inviting and celebratory atmosphere.

This initiative aims to engage the city's diverse community, fostering an appreciation for Chinese heritage among Vancouver's multicultural populace.

(Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

Across the United States, the Chinese Embassy hosted the 2025 Spring Festival Gala for Chinese and American youths in Washington D.C. The event attracted over 500 students from both nations, along with educators and cultural enthusiasts.

This cultural exchange featured an array of performances, blending the arts of both East and West.

Participants engaged in traditional activities like calligraphy and dumpling making, providing young Americans with an opportunity to explore Chinese traditions firsthand.

The event underscores the strengthening of bilateral relationships fostered by educational exchanges, such as the initiative led by President Xi Jinping that has welcomed 15,000 American youths to China.

Ambassador Xie Feng emphasized the importance of continued cultural dialogue and cooperation, inviting more American youths to partake in future programs.

Simultaneously, in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, the 'Happy Chinese New Year Festival' Temple Fair brought together thousands to partake in festivities organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy.

The fair combined traditional performances, such as dragon and lion dances, with interactive activities like Spring Festival couplet writing.

These cultural exchanges resonate deeply with the local Bangladeshi community, enhancing mutual understanding and goodwill as both nations celebrate their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen hailed the event as a testament to the enduring people-to-people ties between China and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the Chinese community in Harare, Zimbabwe, marked the occasion at the University of Zimbabwe with performances showcasing the intertwined cultural tapestry of both nations.

The celebration emphasized shared values of tradition and heritage, which are pivotal to the deepening relations between China and Zimbabwe.

Ambassador Zhou Ding highlighted the 'year of bumper harvest' in bilateral relations, evidenced by several cooperative projects funded by China.

These gatherings highlight the Spring Festival's global influence as a celebration inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its universal appeal and its power to unite people across cultural divides.