“Across Thousands of Miles, Spring for All” — China Craftsman Valley Excellent Teachers Celebrate the Lunar New Year Overseas, Sharing the Joy of Heritage Recognition with 800,000 Overseas Visitors

On December 4, 2024 (Beijing time), China’s nomination of “Spring Festival — The Social Practices of the Chinese People in Celebrating the Traditional New Year” was approved at the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Asunción, Paraguay, and inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This marks China’s 44th entry on UNESCO’s lists, ranking first in the world in total listings.

On February 2, 2025 (UK time), the “Spring for All” Lunar New Year celebration, hosted by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, was held at iconic locations including Trafalgar Square and Chinatown, attracting nearly 800,000 participants from the overseas community. Distinguished guests included Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang and his wife Hua Mei, Deputy Mayor of Greater London Debbie Weekes-Bernard, UK MP Rachel Blake, Lord Mayor of Westminster Robert Rigby, and London Chinatown Chinese Association Chairman Chu Ting Tang, all of whom attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer sent congratulatory letters.

Invited guests also included Yao Yichun, President of China POCY Group, and Executive President Yang Zhilin, who joined overseas Chinese and international friends to celebrate the first Lunar New Year after the successful heritage inscription, witnessing the radiant charm of traditional Chinese culture shining abroad. More than 40 teachers from China Craftsman Valley institutions traveled thousands of miles to take part in the celebrations at Trafalgar Square, contributing to the milestone heritage celebration and furthering people-to-people ties between China and the UK.

Yao Yichun, President of China POCY Group Attends Opening Ceremony and Performs “Dotting the Eyes” Ritual for the Lion Dance

In his speech, Ambassador Zheng Zeguang noted that this was the first Spring Festival following the heritage inscription, making it especially grand and festive. The Spring Festival embodies rich meanings such as renewal, family reunion, and prosperity. The joint celebration by people from all walks of life in the UK and visitors from around the world reflects a shared aspiration for peace, unity, friendship, and cooperation, and demonstrates support for China–UK friendly relations. He expressed gratitude to the London Chinatown Chinese Association for its long-term contributions to promoting trade, culture, and education between the two countries, and extended New Year’s greetings to the Chinese community in the UK, students, staff of Chinese enterprises, and friends from Britain and beyond. Speeches were also delivered by Deputy Mayor Weekes-Bernard, MP Rachel Blake, Lord Mayor Rigby, and Chairman Tang.

Picture of President Yao Yichun with Ambassador Zheng Zeguang

President Yao Yichun and Executive President Yang Zhilin with Chu Ting Tang and Lord Mayor Robert Rigby

The Trafalgar Square Lunar New Year celebration has been held for 24 consecutive years and is the largest Spring Festival celebration outside Asia. The event features dragon and lion dances, float parades, market stalls, and stage performances, drawing enthusiastic participation from Chinese communities, students, institutional representatives, British locals, and international tourists, all experiencing the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.

A Vivid Scene of Festivities in Chinatown. During the celebration, London’s Chinatown was adorned with red lanterns bearing the “China Craftsman Valley” logo, alongside Spring Festival couplets, “Fu” characters, and Chinese knots, creating a sea of festive red. A highlight of the celebration, the float parade brought vibrant scenes to Chinatown. Dragon and lion dance teams opened the parade, with a majestic dragon soaring above the crowd and agile lions leaping and playing to the beat of drums, drawing waves of applause. China POCY Group leaders joined distinguished guests from China and the UK on the floats, waving and extending New Year’s greetings to the cheering audience.

Intricately decorated floats with Chinese cultural elements rolled past, delighting the crowd, who eagerly took photos and marveled at the richness of Chinese heritage. Among the parade participants, Craftsman Valley teachers in traditional Hanfu and Tai Chi attire marched with pride, embodying cultural confidence. Mascots from China Craftsman Valley’s model institutions—Caofeidian College of Technology and Tangshan Maritime Institute—“Cao Xiaojiang” and “Xiao Haibao” also made a charming debut on the streets of London, winning the hearts of onlookers who stopped for photos and joined in the fun.

In celebration of the Spring Festival’s heritage inscription, the China Craftsman Valley team set up a special cultural and creative booth showcasing exquisite intangible heritage artworks such as reed paintings, shadow puppets, paper-cuttings, and clay sculptures, alongside campus cultural products like mascot plush toys, bookmarks, mousepads, and building blocks. Visitors were invited to join teachers in writing Spring Festival couplets and “Fu” characters, experiencing the elegance of Chinese calligraphy. Many foreign guests tried it themselves and took home these unique festive gifts. One British participant remarked excitedly, “I’ve never seen such a rich, engaging, and meaningful cultural showcase. It’s given me a whole new understanding of Chinese culture and craftsmanship—it’s truly impressive!”

China Craftsman Valley teachers also presented Hanfu fashion shows, Tai Chi demonstrations, and ethnic dances. The Hanfu show exuded grace and classical charm, with performers’ elegant movements and intricate costumes captivating the audience. The Tai Chi and Tai Chi fan performances combined softness and strength in perfect balance, while the ethnic dance “Colorful Clouds of the South” showcased the vibrant culture of the Dai ethnic group, earning enthusiastic applause and cheers from the crowd.

For the China Craftsman Valley teachers, celebrating the first New Year after the heritage inscription at Trafalgar Square was not only an unforgettable cultural experience but also a profound journey of cultural inheritance. It offered a deep sense of the overseas Chinese community’s love for their homeland and dedication to preserving traditional culture. China Craftsman Valley institutions will continue cultivating skilled talents with cultural confidence and global vision, sharing China’s stories with the world and amplifying China’s voice on the global stage.