Longhua fetes APEC 'China Year' and Spring Festival

Video by Marina

The “Chinese New Year·Global Festival” 2026 Longhua District APEC New Year Celebration series events kicked off at the Eachway Creative Industrial Park in Longhua District on Feb. 12.

The event was co-hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shenzhen Municipal Government and the People’s Government of Longhua District, and jointly organized by multiple district authorities and State-owned enterprises, including the Foreign Affairs Office and the Publicity Department of the CPC Longhua District Committee, the District Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, and Dalang Subdistrict, as well as Longhua Investment Holdings (Group) Co., Longhua Construction and Development Group Co., Longhua Drainage Co., and Longhua Industrial Capital Investment Co. 

Officials from municipal and district authorities joined more than 400 Chinese and international residents and business representatives from over 50 countries, including Russia, the United States, South Korea, Spain, and Morocco.

Expats gather in Longhua District on Thursday for the Chinese New Year-Global Festival, celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival and embracing the 2026 APEC "China Year." Hosted by the Longhua International Cooperation Center (LICC), the event brought together dozens of international residents to mark the occasion ahead of the Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 17 this year. Photos courtesy of LICC

The Shenzhen (Longhua) International Cooperation Center (LICC) set up a booth at the venue, providing policy consultation and exchange services for foreign residents.

The celebration served as a vibrant prelude to the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, set to take place in Shenzhen this Nov. 18-19. It also marked the fourth consecutive year that Longhua has extended a cultural invitation to the world through its Spring Festival celebration. 

International residents wearing festive red scarves laugh, play traditional games and explore cultural booths during the “Chinese New Year · Global Festival” celebration in Longhua District on Feb. 12.

Featuring more than 50 booths across six themed zones, the park brought together intangible cultural heritage, cuisine, technology, and fashion. Traditional crafts such as sugar painting, paper-cutting, glutinous rice wine brewing, and wheat-stalk art attracted both Chinese and international guests. while Yingge Dance, hobbyhorse performances, and Peking Opera brought the stage to life.

Victor Enriquez (L) from Mexico waves in excitement after winning a game at the event.

Victor Enriquez from Mexico described food as a universal language — with Chinese food like tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and dumplings symbolizing cross-cultural unity. He urged young people to engage deeply in intercultural experiences to promote understanding and solidarity.

Anastasia Kali from Russia praised the rich diversity of Chinese New Year traditions — from cuisine and tea culture to paper-cutting and traditional games. She described Longhua as modern, convenient, and highly impressive.

Kent Boggenpoel (R) from South Africa and Polina Miroshnik (L) from Ukraine share a joyful moment during the celebration. 

Kent Boggenpoel from South Africa shared his passion for the Chinese language and culture, emphasizing the unique role such cultural events play in promoting Chinese traditions and strengthening international connections, particularly within the APEC region.

For non-Chinese residents, he noted, such gatherings offer a rare and cherished opportunity to experience the Lunar New Year spirit firsthand. He personally enjoyed tea, traditional desserts, folk games, and the warm festive atmosphere. Drawing from his travels to APEC member economies like Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea, Boggenpoel affirmed that cultural celebrations like this one carry the warmth of Chinese tradition far beyond borders — across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.