Sharing Chinese culture through tea and Spring Festival

On December 4, 2024, the Spring Festival joined UNESCO's list, highlighting family, nature, and unity

Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Gateway to Chinese Culture

Intangible cultural heritage represents the essence of Chinese traditions and plays a key role in global cultural exchange. To date, China has 44 items on UNESCO's heritage lists, leading the world.

Spring Festival: The Heart of Chinese Traditions

The Spring Festival, based on the lunar calendar, marks the beginning of a new year. Known as "Guo Nian," it includes activities like house cleaning, putting up spring couplets, family dinners, and ancestor worship. Fairs and festivals like temple fairs and lantern shows add to the joyful celebrations.

This festival reflects harmony with nature, passed down for thousands of years. Professor Xiao Fang from Beijing Normal University explains that the festival integrates traditions that inspire goodness and positivity.

The word "福" (fortune) is central, representing wishes for blessings and happiness. Zodiac animals like the ox, tiger, and dragon make the celebration special and meaningful.

A Global Stage for the Spring Festival

In recent years, the Spring Festival has gained international recognition. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower, and Sydney Opera House light up in red. Lanterns, cultural performances, and New Year goods appear worldwide, spreading festive joy. Leaders and organizations globally share New Year greetings, reflecting the festival's growing influence.

The "Happy Spring Festival" series brings Chinese traditions to audiences in cities like New York, Tokyo, Madrid, and Belgrade. People enjoy lion dances, painting, and temple fairs to feel the harmony and family values in Chinese culture.

Sharing Chinese Culture with the World

Despite differences in circumstances, the universal pursuit of a better life unites people globally. For example, UNESCO added China's tea-making traditions to its heritage list in 2022. Events like "Tea and Harmony" in New Zealand introduced Chinese tea culture, which resonated deeply with participants.

Tea, music, opera, and food share China's culture and build connections with the world.

Chinese heritage is gaining global recognition, showing a strong and beautiful China to the world.