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Xinhua Silk Road: Cross-border gala held in S. China’s Nanning to celebrate Spring Festival

BEIJING, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nanning City in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region held a cross-border gala to celebrate this year’s Spring Festival.

Themed on “Celebrating the Spring Festival across mountains and seas, Seeking harmonious and happy reunion”, the gala utilized artificial intelligence (AI) technology in music sound effects and background video production, providing the audience with an immersive experience, and adhered closely to the youthful expression of Generation Z, conveying the charm of traditional culture while exuding youthful fashion enthusiasm.

Nearly a hundred Chinese and foreign performers presented a visual and auditory feast showcasing the Chinese temperament, international charm, and youthful spirit.

The gala was divided into four chapters to express the meaning of “new vitality, warmth of home, romance of love, and openness and shared prosperity”, fully demonstrating the charm of traditional Chinese culture with dance, instrumental ensemble, opera dance, and situational drama, etc.

Performers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries endowed the gala with unique warmth and affection. The “BODY GUARD” brought by the popular Thai boy band PERSES sparked a heat atmosphere on site; the joint singing of representative songs of Southeast Asian countries brought unique exotic charm; the Sino-Vietnamese chorus reflected the deep friendship between China and Vietnam, and the open and inclusive attitude of Nanning in building an international metropolis that is open to cooperation with the ASEAN.

The gala also set up sub venues in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Laos to showcase the joyful scenes of people from different regions celebrating the Spring Festival together through unique shots and programs, allowing the audience to experience the festive atmosphere and cultural characteristics of different countries and regions.

A fair featuring intangible cultural heritage was also created outside the gala venue, attracting foreign guests to immerse themselves in intangible cultural heritage and experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture by admiring Spring Festival paintings, making lanterns, painting sugar paintings, etc.

The gala was broadcast on Nanning’s local TV channel NNTV-1 at 20:00 on Monday night. It was also reported and broadcast by 48 media platforms in about 16 countries and regions, with subtitles translated into English, Lao, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Thai.

Representatives from local media outlets, local officials and consular officials from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia attended the gala.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/344239.html

The Emdistrict Bangkok Unveils Spectacular Chinese New Year Celebrations with 3,000 Panda to Mark 50 Years of Thai-Chinese Diplomatic Friendship


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2025 – The Emdistrict Bangkok is thrilled to announce an extraordinary Chinese New Year celebration in honor of the Golden Year of Friendship between Thailand and China. This milestone marks 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations, blending cultural traditions with modern attractions. The auspicious festivities, attended by H.E. Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, alongside Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Mr, Varawut Silpa-archa – Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol – Minister of Culture Ms. Teerarat Samrejvanich – Deputy Interior Minister, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt – Governor of Bangkok, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool – Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and The Mall Group’s top management led by Ms. Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group, will take place from January 20th to February 28th, 2025, across the vibrant EM DISTRICT, including Emporium, Emquartier, and Emsphere.

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From January 22 to February 23, EM DISTRICT will be transformed into a whimsical panda wonderland with the installation of 3,000 adorable panda sculptures. Enhancing the experience, a lively Panda Flash Troop will perform twice daily from January 27th to January 29th, adding an extra touch of excitement and joy for families and visitors of all ages. On the 26th – 27th of January there will be a Panda Culture truck that will showcase Panda ecosystem for all to see as it cruises throughout the city of Bangkok starting from Asoke intersection to the Grand Palace and back to EM DISTRICT.

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Food lovers will be treated to a culinary adventure at the Chinese Boulevard Street Food and Tea House Market, hosted at Emquartier. This market will feature 30 carefully curated vendors offering an array of authentic Chinese dishes, traditional teas, and irresistible snacks, promising a feast for the senses.

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At Emsphere’s Em Market Hall, the Panda Exhibition Showcase and Café will provide a platform to explore and shop for top-selling Chinese products. Running from January 22nd to February 25th, this unique showcase brings the best of China’s craftsmanship and innovation directly to Bangkok, offering visitors a chance to discover exclusive items and cultural treasures.

A Grand Golden Dragon Theme Across EM DISTRICT in this celebration of the Year of the Golden Dragon, all three EM DISTRICT malls will feature stunning golden dragon designs, symbolizing prosperity, strength, and good fortune. These intricate and immersive decorations aim to captivate visitors and create a festive ambiance that resonates with the spirit of Chinese New Year.

The EM DISTRICT Bangkok invites everyone to be part of this historic celebration which will include Chinese face changing shows, concerts, lion blessing troop to commemorate five decades of Thai-Chinese friendship through vibrant festivities, iconic installations, and cultural showcases. Don’t miss this unforgettable event that bridges cultures and communities in the heart of Bangkok.

Hashtag: #EMdistrict

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

JXICC: Celebrate Spring Festival in Dynamic Jiangxi

NANCHANG, China, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from Jiangxi International Communication Center(JXICC): This year marks the first Spring Festival after its successful inscription onto the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, sparking an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm across the world. People worldwide have eagerly participated in this grand event brimming with traditional cultural charm, spreading the joy and blessings of the Spring Festival beyond borders.

To celebrate 2025 Spring Festival, Jiangxi, a province in the east of China, has meticulously planned 1,709 diverse activities and introduced 634 tourism benefits for the people, aiming to provide tourists and citizens alike with enhanced travel experiences and a sense of fulfillment.

Foreign friends in Jiangxi have also immersed themselves in these joyous celebrations, experiencing and savoring the festivities to welcome the Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Market Tour

Visiting the Chinese New Year market is a tradition during the Spring Festival, a custom that has been passed down through the millennia, carrying the essence of Chinese culture. The markets are usually bustling with local snacks, fresh meat and frozen goods, fruits and dried nuts, as well as fragrant flowers and red couplets and “Fu” characters, creating a lively, festive, and harmonious scene.

At the rural market in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, the festive vibe is becoming even stronger. Suhaa, a foreign friend from Morocco, is a fan of the Chinese market-going culture. Let’s follow her lens to explore the unique charm of the Chinese New Year market.


Joy of Spring Festival: Chinese New Year Market Tour

The Sweet Home of Frozen Rice Candy

As a provincial intangible cultural heritage production technique, every step in the production of Fengcheng frozen rice candy embodies the dedication and wisdom of artisans, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Chinese pastry making.

For many Chinese, frozen rice candy is not only a culinary delight, but also the continuation of a culture, carrying the memories of the “Chinese New Year” and the attachment to the flavors of their childhood.

Daniella, a beautiful girl from Russia, experienced the production process of frozen rice candy with laughter and joy, and she deeply appreciated the sweetness and warmth in the dynamic Jiangxi.


Joy of Spring Festival: The Sweet Home of Frozen Rice Candy

Xayaboury Confirms Elephant Festival on 18-24 February

Xayaboury Reschedules Elephant Festival to 18-24 February
Elephants adorned in vibrant attire parade through Xayaboury during last year’s Elephant Festival (photo credit: Paxason news)

Xayaboury authorities have confirmed the 2025 Elephant Festival on 18 to 24 February, celebrating Laos’ culture with parades of elephants, traditional rituals, and vibrant performances.

Confiscate 2,483 Boxes of Illegal, Uncertified Steen Beer

Confiscate 2,483 Boxes of Illegal, Uncertified Steen Beer

On 27 January, trade officials confiscated 2,483 boxes of Vietnamese Steen beer that had been smuggled into Laos from the Southern Bus Terminal in Vientiane Capital, concealed in cargo trucks and intercity buses. 

CGTN: 2025 Spring Festival Gala: A heartwarming celebration of humanity and cultural heritage

BEIJING, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This year’s Spring Festival Gala, an annual celebration produced and broadcast by China Media Group, commenced on Tuesday, the eve of the Chinese New Year, as Chinese people worldwide celebrated the Spring Festival, the most important Chinese festival centering on family reunions.

Known as “Chunwan,” the gala, the first since China’s Spring Festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has not only continued its tradition as the must-watch show for Chinese families on Chinese New Year’s Eve since 1983 but also reached new heights in showcasing human warmth and cultural heritage.

The gala showcased a mix of performances, from music, comedy and traditional arts like opera and martial arts to spectacular acts such as magic and acrobatics. It was also the fourth year viewers could watch the gala on vertical screens. The mobile-optimized vertical format of the gala has proved especially popular, garnering 130 million, 190 million, and 420 million views, respectively, in the three preceding years.

A heartfelt gathering

This year’s gala placed a stronger emphasis on celebrating the lives and contributions of ordinary people, further embodying the idea of “the people’s Spring Festival Gala.”

From grassroots police officers and railway crew members to intangible cultural heritage inheritors and famous internet personalities, people from all walks of life were invited to share their personal stories and introduce the programs in the gala.

The gala also introduced barrier-free broadcasting for visually and hearing-impaired audiences for the first time, using augmented reality (AR) virtual technology and AI voice recognition to provide an inclusive viewing experience for them.

Sign language interpreters, enhanced by AR effects, and audio descriptions of the performances ensured that everyone could enjoy the festivities, further solidifying the gala’s role as a celebration for all.

Bridging cultures through celebration

As the first Spring Festival Gala following the UNESCO recognition, the 2025 edition emphasized showcasing China’s intangible cultural heritage.

The opening visual spectacle, “Welcoming Fortune,” combined cutting-edge technologies such as AR, interactive screens, and naked-eye 3D to present traditional Chinese New Year customs and cultural elements from across the country.

From the vibrant art of paper cutting to copper engraving and “iron flowers,” a folk art performance in which molten iron is cast into the air to show a firework effect, each performance was a testament to the richness and diversity of Chinese intangible cultural heritage.

Another standout program was “The Pillars and Beams,” a song-and-dance act inspired by Beijing’s Central Axis, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024.

Modern digital art was also used to show the structures of ancient Chinese architecture to viewers in detail, bringing an immersive experience of excellent Chinese traditional culture.

The gala is not just a domestic phenomenon but also a global event, inviting people from around the world to participate in the celebration.

Evan Kyle, a young American man who donated a World War II photo album to China, was invited to attend the gala. Foreign musicians and singers also performed during the gala. Among them, American rock band OneRepublic performed its hit song “Counting Stars.” Chinese and Peruvian singers sang “Condor and Lanhuahua,” which combines Lan Huahua, a popular folk song of Northern Shaanxi in China, and  “El Condor Pasa,” a Peruvian folk song.

Through CGTN and its multilingual platforms, this year’s gala reached viewers in over 200 countries and regions.

With live broadcasts in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian and coverage by more than 2,900 media outlets worldwide, the gala continues to serve as a cultural bridge connecting people across the globe.

CGTN has launched the Snake Year Dance Fun challenge to celebrate the Year of the Snake, attracting active participation from more than 70 countries and regions. CGTN also hosts its Spring Festival special “Super Night” on the eve of the Chinese New Year, presenting splendid programs to viewers worldwide in multiple languages to promote cultural exchanges.

For more information, please click:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-01-28/2025-Spring-Festival-Gala-A-toast-to-humanity-and-cultural-heritage-1AxjvW3Y9eE/p.html

Laos, UNFPA Discuss Milestones in Country Program Meeting

Laos, UN Mark Milestones in 7th Country Program Progress
photo supplied

On 28 January, the Lao government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) held an annual review and planning meeting, sharing progress in the 3rd year of implementation of the 7th Country Program 2022-2026.

Lunar New Year meets the digital age as eGift Cards offer a modern take on tradition

SYDNEY, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lunar New Year festivities are upon us, with an estimated 2 billion people worldwide, set to celebrate with the exchange of traditional hongbao (red packets).

While traditional customs remain strong, many individuals are turning to modern methods of gifting to engage with this ritual in the digital age. Digital red envelopes and gift cards have become increasingly popular, offering a convenient and modern twist on this centuries-old tradition.

Leading branded payments provider Blackhawk Network (BHN) expects to see an uptick in gift cards exchanged over this festive period.

BHN Head of APAC Region Peter Malycon says “As we welcome the Year of the Snake, we’re seeing a fusion of tradition and digital innovation as consumers embrace digital gifting this Lunar New Year. BHN’s gift card range allows for prosperity and joy to be shared with ease, whether sending a gift to loved ones across the world, the country, or the street. BHN gift cards ensure the heart of the celebrations remains unchanged: spreading good fortune, joy and meaningful connections.”

Digital gift cards offer a simple, efficient way to give and receive gifts. Sent via email, text, or even social media, they serve as a modern twist on a long-standing tradition, making it easier to share in the joy of Lunar New Year.

The rise of digital gifting reflects broader trends as more aspects of life become digitally conscious. Digital gift cards have seen significant growth, especially among younger generations. BHN research shows that younger shoppers, Gen Z and Millennials, are twice as likely to share and store gift cards via email (63%), digital wallet (41%) or text (22%)[1]. These generations are leading the way in embracing the convenience of online purchases, including gift cards.

Yet the essence of Lunar New Year remains unchanged: it is a time for renewal, compassion, and generosity. Whether choosing to honour the holiday with traditional customs or embrace the convenience of digital gifting, the spirit of the festival continues to celebrate family, community, and the promise of new beginnings.

BHN Lunar New Year gift cards are available for purchase at Giftz or via the BHN Corporate Card Store if you are looking to order in quantities for your employees or customers as timely rewards or incentives.

[1] https://blackhawknetwork.com/au-en/resources/guide-2024-could-be-shockingly-normal-year-for-gift-cards