On the 15th day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the city of Foshan came alive with the annual celebration to greet the coming of a new year - to walk towards and cross the Tongji Bridge.
Dana Rakonjac from Serbia, among throngs of people locally from China or different parts of the world, joined the celebration for the very first time, hoping for some good luck in 2025.
Dana's journey to Foshan began with a desire to immerse herself in a different culture and seek new job opportunities. What she found, however, was something beyond her anticipation. "The most important reason I stay in Foshan," she recalled, "is because the people are so friendly and open. It feels like home."
This sense of belonging was palpable as she stood among locals and fellow expatriates, all united by the shared hope for prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.
The Tongji Bridge crossing is more than just a walk; it is a celebration of unity and tradition. As the procession began, the air was filled with the rhythmic beats of drums and the cheerful greetings of participants dressed in an array of traditional costumes. The sight of lion dances, a hallmark of Chinese New Year celebrations, added to the festive atmosphere.
"I'm so happy to be a part of this," Dana said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "It's a wonderful tradition that brings people together."
"I feel that so many people showing up demonstrates their appreciation for traditional culture," she observed. For her, crossing the bridge symbolizes leaving behind the troubles of the past and stepping into the new year with hope and optimism. "It has a very deep meaning," Dana noted. "People gather to celebrate the same thing—a better future."
The sense of unity extended beyond cultural boundaries. Among the crowd were not only Chinese locals but also expatriates from around the world, including Dana's colleagues and friends. "It brought a sense of unity among people from anywhere in the world," she said. "We're all here to celebrate and hope for a brighter tomorrow."
As the walk came to its end, people gathered around the lettuce pool, another symbol of prosperity. Sophie, an American fellow, explained to Dana the background story. "Lettuce in Chinese sounds like 'getting fortune,' so walking past the pool holding lettuce is a way to wish for good luck and wealth."
Reflecting on her time in Foshan, Dana spoke warmly of the city's inclusivity and vibrancy. "There are so many places to go and things to do," she said. "I've really enjoyed the past few years here, and I hope to stay for many more (years)." Her sentiments echoed a broader hope for deeper connections between her homeland, Serbia, and China. "I wish more people from China could visit Serbia, and more of my country-mates could come to China," she said. "We have a long friendship, and I believe we can deepen that connection."
Reporter | Guo Zedong
Video & Cover Poster | Liao Mingcan, Liang Caimin, Dai Jiaxin
Editor | Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
