Landmarks light up in red for Spring Festival, amazing foreign tourists in Shanghai

Shanghai's iconic landmarks, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai Tower, have been illuminated in red to celebrate the Chinese New Year, captivating foreign visitors and adding to the city's festive atmosphere.

The dazzling display is part of the "The World Lights Up in Chinese Red" campaign promoted by the Shanghai government, which has collaborated with global landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Burj Khalifa, and the Sydney Opera House to light up in red on the first day of the Spring Festival.

This initiative underscores the worldwide celebrations of the Chinese New Year, which this year is particularly significant following its inscription on UNESCO's World Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

For many foreign tourists in Shanghai, the sight of these red-lit landmarks was a mesmerizing experience that showcased the city's vibrant cultural traditions.

"It's my first week in Shanghai, and wow, it's a beautiful city, Pudong [district] is incredible. It's a very good opportunity for me, because I want to discover this new culture for me, and the Chinese culture is very interesting. I will go to Sanya and Guilin next week," said Romeo Egea, a French tourist.

Samarskaya Julia, a Russian tourist, shared her excitement about the city.

"I came here because I heard a lot of stories from my friends who worked here and who went here for traveling, so I decided to go to one of the best cities in the world. I think it's very beautiful here. I'm just excited of everything, of even tiny things. So, for me, not only food, but people there. I'm so surprised that a lot of people speak English, so I feel so comfortable here. And I see the metro for the first time, but it wasn't any problems at all, so it's easy here for foreigners," she said.

The light display, along with various cultural events, highlights the increasing international appreciation of this traditional holiday.

The Spring Festival, or the start of the Chinese New Year, falls on Wednesday this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

Landmarks light up in red for Spring Festival, amazing foreign tourists in Shanghai

The multilateral system is "under attack" amid global turmoil, President of the 80th UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock warned in her remarks on Wednesday.

In her briefing on the priorities for the resumed 80th Session of the General Assembly, the UNGA president noted that the current multilateral system does not collapse all in a sudden, but "crumbles piece by piece" in divisions, compromises, and lack of political commitment.

The president called all the UN member states to defend the UN Charter and international law and promote cross-regional cooperation.

She also urged to push forward the work of the UNGA on certain critical issues with a strong majority, rather than an absolute consensus among all member states. Such act is not a failure of multilateralism, but "an affirmation of it," she said.

The foundational principles of the institution should not be eroded by appeasement, she said, calling the member states to show courage, leadership, and responsibility at the UN's "critical make-or-break moment."

"The UN needs you. Your support, your leadership, your principle, stand, your cross-regional cooperation, if we are to preserve and modernize this institution, if we are to make it, rather than break it," she said.

UNGA President warns global multilateral system "under attack"