Beijing ushers in 2025 with vibrant celebrations

Beijing hosted a series of lively events across the city on Tuesday, the New Year's eve, to ring in 2025.

From countdown parties to cultural performances, the festivities offered residents and visitors a vibrant and unforgettable start of the New Year.

At Shougang Park, one of the most anticipated countdown events drew revelers into an exciting atmosphere.

The program featured performances of dancing, acrobatics, and a youth choir with participants from China and abroad, delighting the audience.

Organizers emphasized the event's blend of classic and modern styles, highlighting Beijing's cultural richness and youthful energy.

Merrymakers expressed hopes for a successful year in 2025.

"The year 2025 marks the first year of my career. And I hope to achieve success and make progress in my work," said a visitor.

"It's a joyous occasion, and the way it is being celebrated here in Beijing, I'm extremely happy to be here, it's a family gathering and we are having a wonderful time, I wish I take this opportunity to wish all my Chinese brothers and sisters a happy new year," said another visitor.

The 798 Art Zone was packed with crowds eager to celebrate the arrival of 2025.

A creative lion dance that fused tradition with modernity kicked off the festivities, followed by a light and music-filled countdown ceremony that heightened the celebratory spirit.

The art zone hosted diverse live performances, including street magic shows, opera performances and art parades, offering visitors a fresh cultural and tourism experience.

Beijing ushers in 2025 with vibrant celebrations

A spokesperson for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said on Monday that the situation in waters near the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, urging vessels in the area to take maximum caution.

"The situation continues to be volatile. Ships should take maximum caution and not take risks without security guarantees," the spokesperson said in a statement.

According to the information released on the IMO website, as of April 19, a total of 24 attacks on ships in the affected waters had been confirmed, resulting in the deaths of 10 seafarers.

The IMO, the United Nations specialized agency responsible for maritime safety and security, as well as the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships, has called for de-escalation, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Monday that with the U.S. repeatedly violating ceasefire deals and posing threats to Iran’s ports and vessels, a unilateral return to normal shipping remains out of reach.

Also on Monday, the U.S. Central Command claimed in a social media post that the U.S. forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to Iranian ports since its blockade on navigation through the Strait starting April 13.

However, according to a report released from Lloyd's List on Monday, at least 26 vessels involved in Iranian shipping had managed to break through the U.S. blockade.

IMO urges ships near Strait of Hormuz to be on maximum alert