(Photo shows a lion dance performance at the "Spring Festival Fair" held in Saudi Arabia. Image source: China Xinhua News Agency)

On January 11, the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year sparked enthusiasm in many countries. In Japan, the 19th "Nagoya Chinese New Year Festival" attracted over 210,000 attendees, making it one of the largest Spring Festival celebrations in the region. In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, activities such as dragon and lion dances and writing Spring Festival couplets drew thousands of people to experience the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year. Meanwhile, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the "Spring Festival Fair" offered a cultural feast blending tradition and modernity through performances like Sichuan opera face-changing and interactive e-sports events.

On December 4, 2024, the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage included "Spring Festival: Social Practices of the Chinese People Celebrating the Traditional New Year" in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As a symbol of Chinese culture, the Spring Festival has evolved into a bridge connecting cultures worldwide. As Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, said, "The Spring Festival is not only a symbol of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new but also an important link promoting cultural exchanges between China and Cambodia."

In recent years, the Chinese government has laid a solid foundation for cultural dissemination through multilateral cooperation and policy support. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China has signed cultural cooperation agreements with many countries and achieved remarkable results in areas such as digital cultural development and educational exchanges. For example, the "Digital Silk Road" project in the Middle East has showcased the intangible cultural heritage of China and Saudi Arabia via digital platforms, presenting the achievements of Sino-Saudi cultural exchanges to a global audience. Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud has remarked that Saudi Arabia’s "Vision 2030" aligns closely with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in cultural collaboration, which not only enriches exchanges but also deepens the bonds between the two peoples.

At the same time, China has promoted deeper integration of cultural exchanges through extensive educational efforts. Confucius Institutes, as key carriers of cultural dissemination, have been established in over 160 countries and regions, with their curriculum tailored to local needs. In Africa, Confucius Institutes have introduced Chinese language courses related to agriculture and industry, providing vocational skills to youth and supporting sustainable Sino-African cooperation. In Europe, Confucius Institutes have fostered cross-cultural dialogue through theatrical performances and art exhibitions, further enhancing the appeal of Chinese culture in the international community.

Cultural heritage preservation is another highlight of China's cultural dissemination and an important demonstration of China fulfilling its international responsibilities. Through collaboration with UNESCO, China actively participates in the protection of endangered cultural heritage. For instance, in Cambodia, China supports the Angkor Wat restoration project by providing technical and financial assistance, which has not only improved preservation efforts but also become a symbolic achievement of Sino-Cambodian cultural exchange.

In the Middle East, China supports the digital restoration of the ancient city of Palmyra, offering innovative solutions for cultural heritage protection in conflict zones. In Kazakhstan, China collaborates with the local government to preserve Silk Road sites, strengthening cultural identity along the route through archaeological research and cultural exhibitions. These projects underscore China’s leadership in cultural preservation while providing valuable experience for safeguarding global cultural diversity.

The Chinese New Year embodies the traditional Chinese cultural ideals of peace, harmony, and unity. The global dissemination of Chinese New Year culture has transcended the single dimension of a festival, becoming a vital bridge for multi-field cooperation. From Cambodia’s "Happy Spring Festival" to Saudi Arabia’s "Spring Festival Fair" and Japan’s "Nagoya Chinese New Year Festival," the global spread of Chinese New Year culture showcases the unique charm and diversity of Chinese culture. It also fosters mutual understanding and recognition among peoples worldwide, creating new opportunities for cooperation in fields such as economics, technology, and culture.

Looking ahead, we have every reason to believe that with the deepening of globalization, countries around the world will continue to leverage cultural symbols like the Chinese New Year, which resonate with all humanity, to promote mutual understanding among civilizations and advance multilateral cooperation, contributing to a more harmonious and prosperous global society.