Top 10 Chinese American Cultural and Arts Events of 2025 in Southern California Announced
Highlighting Social Responsibility, Diverse Expression, and a New Landscape for International Communication
LAPost Los Angeles (December 25, 2025) — The results of the “Top 10 Chinese American Cultural and Arts Events of 2025 in Southern California” were officially announced on December 24, jointly released by the Chinese American NGO Research Association, the North America Chinese Media Polling Center, and the Los Angeles Post, among others. Based on a professional polling system, the selection focused on social influence, public value, media attention, and international communication performance of each shortlisted event, while also incorporating multi-dimensional data such as online search rankings, social media traffic, and engagement indexes.
This is the fourth time the organizations have released this annual list. The entire evaluation process remained independent and impartial, with no prior communication or commercial arrangements involved. The final results were simultaneously published in both Chinese and English. According to the organizers, cultural and artistic activities initiated or participated in by the Chinese community in Southern California have significantly increased in both quantity and quality in recent years, showing a clear trend toward more diverse themes, greater cultural confidence, and closer engagement with mainstream society. The 2025 selected events not only reflect the Chinese community’s social responsibility and creative vitality, but also amplify its voice internationally, contributing to a sustainable and influential cultural ecosystem.
Overall, Chinese cultural and artistic activities in Southern California this year demonstrated three major characteristics: First, a stronger focus on public issues and social care, combining cultural action with social responsibility; Second, flourishing development across multiple artistic fields including exhibitions, theater, film, and music, highlighting remarkable diversity; Third, significantly enhanced capability in international communication and cross-sector collaboration, further expanding the global influence of Chinese culture.
Top 10 Chinese American Cultural and Arts Events of 2025 in Southern California (in chronological order)
1. Two Post-Disaster Charity Concerts Unite Love and Strength Through Art
On February 3, the “Rise From the Ashes” Chinese American disaster relief charity concert, supported by UCA and UCACF, was held in Arcadia, where outstanding artists delivered warmth and encouragement through music to affected families. On April 6, another charity concert “Lending a Hand, Sharing Care” was held in Temple City, co-organized by the Chinese Musicians Association of America and the Huayi Choir of Los Angeles, providing tangible support to wildfire victims and impacted musicians. Both events showcased the Chinese community’s cohesion and sense of social responsibility.
2. Classic Play Fields of Life and Death Returns to Southern California with Emotional Power
On April 2, commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II victory, Time Theatre revived Fields of Life and Death, hailed as a “miracle of Chinese theater,” starring Jia Yiping from the National Theatre of China, earning widespread acclaim.
3. Legendary 98-Year-Old Actress Lisa Lu Receives Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On May 5, coinciding with the kickoff of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, legendary 98-year-old Chinese actress Lisa Lu received the 2,811th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star sits alongside Anna May Wong and James Stewart, symbolizing a century-spanning heritage of Chinese cinematic contribution in Hollywood.
4. Terracotta Warriors Return to the U.S. After 14 Years, Sparking Cultural Enthusiasm
On May 23, the exhibition “Beyond the Qin Terracotta Army: New Archaeological Discoveries from Shaanxi, China” opened at the Bowers Museum in Orange County, jointly organized by Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration and the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Museum. The return of the world-renowned “Eighth Wonder” reignited global fascination with Chinese civilization.
5. The Nanjing Photographer Premieres in Los Angeles, Achieving Cross-Platform Impact
On August 11, the film The Nanjing Photographer premiered in Los Angeles. With volunteer promotional support from the Chinese American expert viewing group, nearly 60 filmmakers, critics, and media creators participated. Multiplatform distribution generated widespread English commentary and in-depth analysis, achieving a landmark overseas promotional success.
6. World’s First Overseas Chinese City Exhibition Hall Opens in Pasadena
On September 9, the world’s first overseas Chinese city exhibition hall opened in downtown Pasadena, with Chongqing as its inaugural theme city. The event attracted prominent guests, major media, and influencers, establishing a new platform for China-US city cultural exchange.
7. “Together” Charity Art Exhibition Brings Care and Healing
On October 11, the “Together” charity art exhibition supporting children with special needs opened at CHOC’s Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center. Co-organized by Sunshine of The Heart Foundation, RAYA Art & Education, and The Artist Lab, and supported by the City of Irvine and CHOC, the exhibition highlighted the healing power of art.
8. UCLA Establishes Cantonese Arts & Culture Fund
In October, UCLA announced the establishment of the Cantonese Arts and Culture Fund, donated by alumna May Chong and administered by the UCLA Asian American Studies Center. The fund supports Cantonese language education, art development, cultural preservation, and academic research, advancing multicultural understanding and inclusion.
9. Chinese Girl Group A2O MAY Breaks into U.S. Mainstream Music Market
On October 24, Chinese girl group A2O MAY held their EP release concert for PAPARAZZI ARRIVE in Hollywood. Their tracks “BOSS” and “B.B.B” remained on Mediabase TOP 40 for five consecutive weeks, and they performed at KIIS FM’s Wango Tango Festival, marking a milestone for Chinese girl groups entering the U.S. mainstream music scene.
10. “Mirroring the Greater Bay Area: The Future Through Our Eyes” Photo Exhibition Opens on California Campus
On November 23, the international photography exhibition opened at Mt. San Antonio College, featuring works by Pulitzer Prize winner Nick Ut and other top American photojournalists, showcasing urban development, technology, and human stories from the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, deepening global understanding of contemporary China.
(By: Richard Ren / LAPost)
