”2025 Warm Spring Festival Celebrates Chinese New Year” Reception in Los Angeles

LAPost/Los Angeles, Ca (January 22, 2025) – The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles hosted a grand reception to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, bringing together over 200 guests from political, academic, business, and cultural sectors, as well as members of Chinese communities, organizations, and students. The event was presided over by Deputy Consul General Huang Hongjiang.

Chinese Consul General Guo Shaochun (Photo By: Richard Ren/LAPost)

In his opening remarks, Chinese Consul General Guo Shaochun warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the unique setting of the event. “To make everyone feel at home, this year’s Spring Festival reception is being held right here at the Consulate,” he said. Guo further reflected on a remarkable milestone from the past year: “In June 2024, we celebrated the return of giant pandas to California. August 8 was officially designated as ‘California Panda Day,’ as ‘Yunchuan’ and ‘Xinbao’ made their home at the San Diego Zoo, bringing new joy to the people of California.” He added that friends from the San Diego Zoo were specially invited to join the reception, underscoring the shared affection for these cherished ambassadors of Chinese culture and wildlife conservation.

Guo also noted the significance of the day, which marked the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, traditionally celebrated as “Xiaonian” (Little New Year) in northern China. “In just one week, we will usher in the Year of the Snake, a time of vitality and hope. On this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt New Year wishes to the Chinese communities, international students, employees of Chinese enterprises, and our distinguished guests,” he said.

The Consul General highlighted the universal values embedded in the Spring Festival, emphasizing its role in fostering unity, harmony, and cultural exchange. “Spring Festival is not only China’s most important celebration but also a shared cultural treasure of the world,” he remarked, adding that in December 2024, Spring Festival was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Addressing recent challenges, including the severe wildfires in Los Angeles County, Guo expressed his condolences to those affected and shared his optimism for recovery. He also voiced high expectations for the successful hosting of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Reflecting on the past year, Guo underscored the contributions of Chinese Americans, Chinese enterprises, and international students to U.S.-China relations. “The progress of Sino-American relations owes much to the unwavering support and active efforts of the Chinese diaspora. Together, we have turned our hopes for bilateral relations into concrete actions,” he said.

Concluding his speech, Guo invoked the symbolism of the snake in Chinese culture, representing wisdom, spirituality, and prosperity. He expressed hopes for a prosperous China, steady U.S.-China relations, fruitful local collaborations, and enduring friendship between the peoples of both nations.

Ms. Dennis Shen, Regional Director for the Los Angeles U.S. Department of State’s Office of Foreign Missions (Photo By: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Among the distinguished attendees were Ms. Dennis Shen, Regional Director for the Los Angeles U.S. Department of State’s Office of Foreign Missions; Ms. Malia M. Cohen, California State Controller; representatives from Chinese enterprises; cultural organizations; student associations; and special guests from the San Diego Zoo.

UCLA international students playing traditional Chinese music (Photo By: Richard Ren/LAPost)

The reception featured vibrant Chinese cultural displays, including festive lanterns and traditional Chinese knots. Guests were treated to captivating performances by UCLA international students playing traditional Chinese music and local high school students showcasing cultural programs. The evening embodied the joy and richness of Spring Festival traditions, leaving a lasting impression on all present.  （By: Richard Ren/LAPost)

(Photo By: Richard Ren/LAPost)