As the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, approaches on February 17, festive decor lights up cities and regions across China along with cultural shows and consumer events.
Chang'an Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Beijing, capital of China, is beautifully embellished with eco-friendly lanterns boasting an impressive 90 percent reuse rate, highlighting a commitment to sustainability.
In Baoqing County, in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, a charming ski town is welcoming Russian tourists from across the border to a vibrant New Year fair, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
Business districts in Guangzhou City, in southern China's Guangdong Province, have adorned their streets with 5,000 lanterns themed with the Year of the Horse. They are showcasing captivating Hanfu performances, celebrating traditional Chinese culture and adding a festive flair to the atmosphere.
Xuan'en City, located in Central China's Hubei province, has established traditional Tujia light displays.
Meanwhile, other places in China including Jiangsu Province and Chongqing Municipality have enhanced the holiday spirit with vibrant folk and flower markets.
Cultural events, shopping fairs, festive decor seen across China as Spring Festival approaches
China Media Group (CMG) on Friday launched its global promotion of the 2026 Spring Festival Gala in Marseille, France, drawing more than 1,100 guests as China highlighted cultural ties with Europe ahead of the Spring Festival.
Titled "Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala - The World Watches the CMG Gala Together," the event was co-hosted by CMG and the Chinese Consulate General in Marseille.
The Spring Festival, beginning on Feb 17 this year, marks the start of the Chinese New Year, which is the most important holiday in China. This year ushers in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.
Watching the Spring Festival Gala is a cherished tradition in hundreds of millions of Chinese households. The gala will be broadcast live worldwide on Chinese New Year's Eve, Feb 16.
CMG President Shen Haixiong, also deputy head of the Communist Party of China's Publicity Department, in a video address highlighted plans to showcase the Spring Festival Gala as a global cultural event powered by advanced broadcasting technologies and multilingual reach.
"This year's CMG Spring Festival Gala will use our cutting-edge innovations in '5G plus 4K/8K plus AI' technologies and leverage our broadcasting advantages of 85 languages to present a cultural feast for global audiences, and also to immerse themselves in its joyful and auspicious festive atmosphere," he said.
In his video address, Chinese Ambassador to France De Li described how 2025 was as a pivotal year for China-Europe relations, noting French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to China. He voiced expectations for deeper cooperation between China and France in areas including trade, finance, green development, science and technology, and culture, aiming to open a new chapter of mutually beneficial growth.
"The Chinese Consulate General is willing to work with all sectors in southern France to share opportunities and jointly pursue development. Let us forge ahead with even greater determination, unwavering dedication and enthusiasm to write a new chapter of friendly cooperation together," said He Youlin, Chinese Consul General in Marseille.
"2026 is the Year of the Horse in China. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes ambition, vitality, loyalty, and bravery. In France, these spiritual qualities are equally cherished," said Bruno Genzana, representative of the president of the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA).
Other guests at the event voiced hopes for deeper cooperation and lasting friendship between China and France.
Meanwhile, teachers and students from China and France shared the stage in joint performances, including a French poetry recital and dances that celebrated ancient Chinese civilization, earning warm applause from the audience.
The evening also featured a promotional video for the upcoming Spring Festival Gala and highlights from the "Travel in China Through Films" initiative, giving guests a vivid glimpse into the richness and diversity of Chinese culture.
CMG launches global promotion of 2026 Spring Festival Gala in France
