政府新闻
元宵节的庆祝活动对外宾来说是一个启示 2025-02-12
Simon Lichtenberg (right), founder and CEO of Trayton Group and a member of the Shanghai Through Our Eyes Club, learns to make tangyuan dumplings.
The Yuyuan lanterns flickered to life on Wednesday evening, marking the culmination of its annual Lantern Festival celebration.
The ceremony was the highlight of an event that brought together more than 160 guests from across the globe, including media representatives and business leaders.
They gathered to celebrate the Chinese New Year through cultural exchanges and shared experiences at the landmark Yuyuan Garden Malls.
For many international attendees, it was a chance to explore Chinese traditions, learn about the culture, and connect with locals.
"This is my first Chinese New Year in Shanghai, and I've never seen anything like this," said Gerardo Buitrago, a PhD student at Jiao Tong University from Colombia.
"The event brings us closer to Chinese culture. It's an experience I'll share when I go back," Buitrago said.
The event featured various traditional activities, offering guests a hands-on way to experience China's rich cultural heritage.
Foreign guests try their hand at traditional local paper art with a senior artisan on the sidelines of the event.
Guests tried their hand at paper art, with master Liu Fengchen showing how simple paper can become intricate works of art.
Another highlight was making tangyuan dumplings – glutinous rice dumplings filled with sweet fillings, typically eaten during the Lantern Festival.
"I've never made tangyuan before. It's a deep part of Chinese culture. I'll share this experience with my friends back in Armenia," said Dr Davit Mkhitaryan, vice president of Armenian Chinese Partnership Center who has lived in China for over 16 years.
He reflected on how similar the Chinese New Year is to the Armenian tradition. "Both are family holidays, with people gathering around the table. That's something universal, something that connects us."
Guests also witnessed a martial arts performance by the Chin Woo Sports Association, which demonstrated the power and precision of traditional Chinese kung fu.
Foreign guests learn the art of traditional Shanghai paper-cutting.
The event also spotlighted the honorary members of the Shanghai Through Our Eyes Club, which encourages foreigners to share their experiences with the Chinese public.
Oksana Krupikova from Russia, founder of the BodyLab Dance Center in Shanghai and one of the members, shared her experience during the festival.
"I spent the Spring Festival with my Chinese friends. They cooked a dozen of dishes, and we watched the Spring Festival TV gala together. It was an amazing experience," Krupikova said.
"We all have different backgrounds, but by sharing our stories, we can help each other understand each other's cultures better," she told Shanghai Daily.
Astrid Poghosyan, an Armenian violinist and a member of the Shanghai Through Our Eyes Club, savors traditional Chinese tea.
Attendees were invited to enjoy the display at the Yuyuan Lantern Fair, a highlight of the Lantern Festival celebrations in Shanghai.
The festival features thousands of beautifully crafted lanterns and showcases the best of Shanghai's traditional culture.
The lantern fair has become one of Shanghai's most anticipated cultural events, attracting visitors from around the world to celebrate the rich traditions of the Chinese New Year.
"Shanghai is clean, modern, and full of energy. But you can still feel the spirit of tradition here. It's beautiful," said Dr Attila Lassó, a visitor from Hungary.
"I come to Shanghai every year to visit my son and his family. The Spring Festival is about family, and I enjoy seeing the harmony and the colorful celebrations," he added.
Handcraft masters showcase their traditional skills at a bazaar for guests.
Source: City News Service
