On Feb. 16, Chinese New Year's Eve, as families across China gathered for reunion dinners and the clock struck midnight, a five-minute holiday short film lit up the giant screens of Times Square in New York. Titled Galloping into the Year of the Horse, the film shared festive greetings from China with audiences around the world.
The project was jointly produced by the China Intercontinental Communication Center and the China Institute in America. Part of the footage was selected from South, the flagship media outlet of Guangdong Province in southern China, adding a distinctive regional perspective to the film's national narrative.
The five-minute film unfolds as a "New Year symphony" in five thematic movements: Horse, Year, Home, Joy and Gathering. Together, they form a visual poem about time, family and cultural continuity.
In the first chapter, "Horse," the animal emerges as a powerful cultural symbol — from ancient rock carvings and stone sculptures to classical poetry and legend. The horse embodies vitality, courage and forward momentum, echoing the enduring Chinese aspiration to "ride toward one's dreams."
The second chapter, "Year," turns to the meaning of the Spring Festival itself. Fireworks burst across the night sky, symbolizing both farewell and renewal. The Chinese character for "year" carries within it the warmth of flame — a metaphor for hope that burns bright as families bid goodbye to the past and welcome new beginnings.
In "Home," the third chapter, the focus shifts to reunion. Trains cut through the winter night, planes soar above clouds, and countless journeys converge toward one destination: home. For millions, the Spring Festival travel season is the world's largest annual human migration — a testament to the deep-rooted value of family reunion in Chinese culture.
The fourth chapter, "Joy," captures the exuberance of the holiday, from dazzling lantern festivals to the rhythmic energy of dragon and lion dances. Ancient celebrations blend seamlessly with contemporary cityscapes, conveying a sense of shared happiness that rises like the morning sun.
Finally, "Gathering" brings viewers into warmly lit homes, where families sit together, share festive meals and exchange blessings. The scenes reflect a universal longing for togetherness and well-being — a sentiment that transcends borders.
With more than 50 million visitors annually and nearly half a million pedestrians daily, Times Square stands as one of the world's most iconic public spaces. On a night dedicated to reunion and renewal, the screening transformed the crossroads of the world into a stage for Chinese New Year — a festival recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage — sharing its warmth and symbolism with a global audience.
Following its debut in New York, Galloping into the Year of the Horse will be released across major Chinese digital platforms, extending its New Year greetings beyond borders and connecting audiences worldwide in the spirit of celebration and unity.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Photo: China Intercontinental Communication Center
