What does the authentic Chinese New Year vibe feel like?
Ahead of the Spring Festival, the coastal city of Shantou in Guangdong Province offered an answer—not through explanation, but through experience. Traditional performances, festive crafts, and a shared banquet came together as creators from around the world gathered to feel the warmth, joy, and cultural significance behind China's most important festival.
On January 16, this special Chinese New Year–themed event brought together 100 foreign KOCs and six international KOLs with millions of followers, representing 30 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Russia, Mexico, South Korea, Egypt, Türkiye, the Netherlands, and Singapore. Their nationalities spanned Europe and Asia, extending to Africa and the Americas, creating a truly global table where cultures met through celebration.
Experiencing tradition up close
The atmosphere of the festival unfolded through immersive cultural moments. The powerful Yingge Dance, a traditional folk performance from eastern Guangdong, filled the space with rhythmic movement and energy. Nearby, guests tried their hand at making hand-pounded beef meatballs, an iconic Chaoshan delicacy that reflects the region's emphasis on freshness and craftsmanship.
Traditional paper cutting and oil-paper lantern making invited participants to slow down and appreciate the beauty of Chinese folk art. Each experience offered a tactile way to connect with local culture—not as spectators, but as active participants.
One of the most meaningful moments came during a calligraphy activity centered on the Chinese character "Fu" (福), symbolizing good fortune and happiness. Visitors learned why the character is often hung upside down during the Spring Festival — a wordplay in Chinese where "upside down" sounds like "arrive," expressing the wish that happiness will arrive at one's home.
A feast that connects cultures
As red tables and chairs were arranged for the New Year's Eve–style banquet, the space glowed with festive colors and classic Chinese aesthetics. Dish after dish arrived, filling the table with Chaoshan flavors and warm hospitality.
For many international guests, the food became a gateway to understanding Chinese New Year values. Sviato, a Russian visitor, praised the pork trotter rice for its rich flavor and mild taste, noting how approachable it felt. Mirato, a Turkish guest, was surprised by the cultural meaning behind the Red Peach Guo, a type of dumpling in Chaoshan. The embossed Chinese characters conveyed wishes for safety, peace, and longevity, turning food into a language of blessing.
Shared joy, shared humanity
What resonated most with guests was not just the food or performances, but the atmosphere. Music, dance, laughter, and constant hospitality filled the evening. As one participant observed, everyone seemed genuinely happy — and that, they said, was the essence of the Chinese New Year.
The sense of connection extended beyond China. Imane, a guest from Morocco, shared that the experience reminded her of Eid al-Adha, a festival also centered on family reunions and shared meals. Though traditions differ, the emotional core felt the same: people returning home, gathering around the table, and celebrating together. "Humans need occasions like this," she reflected. "Moments to celebrate together."
All in all, welcome to Guangdong to discover more Chinese New Year vibes.
Reporter & Photo: Li Fangwang
Cameraman: Qin Shaolong, Li Fangwang
Video Editor: Qin Shaolong
Poster: Li Fangwang
Editor: Hu Nan, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He
