Bristol and Worcester among UK cities to celebrate Chinese New Year in style

Lion dances, kung fu performances, Chinese tea ceremonies, intangible cultural crafts displays, and cheerful crowds turned Bristol Museum and Art Gallery into a special place to celebrate the Year of the Snake last weekend.

Participants at the opening ceremony on Saturday for the museum's Happy Chinese New Year event included Lord Lieutenant Bristol Peaches Golding; Councilor Tony Dyer, the leader of Bristol City Council; Councilor Andrew Varney, Bristol's mayor; and Wang Yun, counselor of the cultural sector at China's embassy in the United Kingdom.

The two-day event, which was hosted by Bristol City Council, has been held annually since 2003.

In his speech, Varney expressed thanks to the Chinese community for its contribution to Bristol's internationalism, for enriching its cultural diversity, and strengthening its connections with the wider world.

"Their contributions in business, education, and the arts continue to shape Bristol as a truly global city," he said. "As we come together to celebrate the Year of the Snake, we recognize the values of wisdom, resilience, and transformation that this zodiac symbolizes. We extend our warmest wishes to everyone for a joyful, prosperous, and healthy new year."

Wang noted that the event has become the most influential Chinese New Year activity in Southwest England.

"It offers more British friends an opportunity to have a better understanding of Chinese culture. As Spring Festival was inscribed by the UNESCO in the list of intangible cultural heritage last year, we will make continued efforts to step up cultural exchanges between China and the UK," she said.

Visitors enjoyed a tea ceremony presented by tea masters from Qimen county in East China's Anhui province, a display of "Study's Four Treasures", which comprise brush, ink, paper and ink stone, from Xuancheng city in East China's Anhui province, clay sculptures and ceramic crafts from Changsha city in Central China's Hunan province.

Students from several schools in western England also presented choral performances and traditional folk dances.

Hu Kaitie, director of the West England and Bristol China Exchange Centre, said: "This event provides a valuable platform to showcase the essence of traditional Chinese culture while it promotes Sino-British exchanges and cooperation in culture and tourism."

In Central England's Worcester, about 1,300 local residents gathered on Feb 2 to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Spectators enjoyed martial arts and lion dance performances outside the Museum of Royal Worcester, while families took part in calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and pottery painting inside, where Chinese culture activities made a festive day. The annual event has been held in the city for 26 years.

Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire Beatrice Grant and Mayor of Worcester Mel Allcott gave their best wishes to the public in their speeches at the event.

H-J Colston-Inge, co-director of the educational charity Engage with China, which was one of the organizers, said: "We know how important it is to stage Chinese culture outside of London. The focus is far too heavily there, but you can see from Worcester how good things can be, even in small cities."

Zhu Xueer contributed to this story.