China Welcomes 'Fire Horse' Year with Lunar New Year Festivities

Beijing. With the arrival of the Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, Chinese communities in China, various Asian countries, and around the world have grandly welcomed the 'Fire Horse' year. This festival, celebrated with family reunions, prayers, and traditional feasting, began with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. 

This 15-day long festival, which generally falls between January 21 and February 20, is considered the most significant festival of the year in countries like China, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. The tradition during the first two days of the New Year involves families and friends gathering to exchange gifts and distribute red envelopes filled with cash.

Addressing a special ceremony held in Beijing on the eve of the New Year, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for embracing the energy and resilience of the 'Fire Horse'. He conveyed a message of unity and strength, encouraging the nation to move forward resolutely on the path of Chinese modernization. At the welcoming ceremony held on Saturday, Xi also extended 'Spring Festival' greetings to all Chinese citizens at home and abroad.

Calling the recently concluded 'Snake' year extraordinary, President Xi claimed that China achieved new heights in economic, scientific, technological, and military sectors despite a complex domestic and international environment. At the ceremony attended by over two thousand dignitaries, he also announced that the blueprint for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) has been prepared.

In addition, he recalled various historical achievements China attained in 2025, such as the 80th Victory Anniversary against Japanese aggression and the successful completion of the 15th National Games in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. President Xi expressed confidence that the New Year will further strengthen China's national power and confidence.