London Eye lights up while Sydney Opera House stages gala to mark Chinese New Year

Britain's iconic London Eye shone in radiant gold and red on Tuesday evening, the eve of the Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year while Australia's famous Sydney Opera House put up a grand gala to welcome the arrival of the Year of the Snake.

The 2025 Spring Festival fell on Wednesday, marking the first day of the Year of the Snake, the 6th in the cycle of 12 zodiac animals on the Chinese calendar.

The dazzling display lit up London's skyline, drawing a large crowd of locals and tourists to the South Bank of the River Thames, under a signature London drizzle.

The annual lighting-up ceremony, jointly organized by the London Chinatown Chinese Association and the London Eye, has become a highlight of the city's Chinese New Year celebrations, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a traditional dragon and lion dance performance graced the iconic Ferris wheel, captivating audiences with its energy and vibrancy.

"I know that this is the Year of the Snake. I know that is based on zodiac symbols. I am a Dog. I know that the red and the gold are very important, which is why the London Eye is lit up," said a Londoner.

At the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, a spectacular Chinese New Year's Eve Gala gathered nearly 100 performers and artists from China and Australia to present a vibrant showcase of singing, dancing, orchestral music, and opera to usher in the Year of the Snake. With enthralling cross-cultural collaborations, the night celebrates unity, artistry, and the universal joy of the Chinese New Year.

A promotional video for the Spring Festival Gala, an hours-long television variety show produced by China Media Group and broadcast live Tuesday evening, was screened at the Sydney Opera House for the first time, adding to the evening's allure.

London Eye lights up while Sydney Opera House stages gala to mark Chinese New Year

More than 20 films will hit Chinese screens during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday from Saturday to Monday, spanning genres from revolutionary historical dramas, realism movies to suspense thrillers, according to the China Film Administration on Thursday.

Revolutionary historical films such as Blood-Spattered Cliff, Eight Sons, Eight Soldiers, and Half Of The Quilt, will pay tribute to martyrs through the lens.

Three films -- It's OK, Now I Met Her, and Sunshine Women's Choir -- tell moving stories of love, growth, and reconciliation.

It's OK is a contemporary family comedy that follows a mother and daughter navigating their joyful yet turbulent relationship. Now I Met Her tells a rebellious teenager who gets to know his late mother through her old diary. Sunshine Women's Choir, a film from the Taiwan region of China, portrays the "perfect" maternal love of "imperfect mothers."

The suspense film Game of Identity tells the story of two people from different backgrounds who accidentally swap lives, setting off an unexpected adventure. The documentary films Seeking Nature: The Code of Life, and Missions to the Moon (Part One) explore the connection between humanity and science.

Imported films from different countries, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Project Hail Mary, and Hoppers, will deliver spectacular cinematic experiences to audiences.

The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls on April 5 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tribute to ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens as they engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Over 20 films expected to hit Chinese screens during Qingming Festival Holiday