Spring Festival Magic Unfolds In ASEAN: Year Of The Horse Brings China And ASEAN Closer, Boosting Tourism And Cultural Exchange

The 6th of February, 2026, witnessed a monumental event as China and ASEAN came together to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. The current celebration holds special importance because it commemorates two major milestones: the 35th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and the 5th anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This year also coincided with the Chinese Year of the Horse, adding another layer of cultural meaning to the event. Hosted by the People’s Republic of China’s Mission to ASEAN, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the Guangxi government, the event not only showcased the spirit of the Chinese New Year but also highlighted the growing unity and collaboration between China and ASEAN nations. The celebrations were a powerful reminder of the mutual respect and shared goals between China and ASEAN, both committed to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

In a joint effort, the event brought together over 250 distinguished guests, including envoys from ASEAN countries, ASEAN Secretariat officials, members of the media, and representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises. The celebration featured rich cultural exchanges, further cementing the growing people-to-people ties that bind the two regions.

A Festival of Unity and Harmony

For the first time, the Chinese Spring Festival was held at the ASEAN Headquarters, a powerful symbol of the strengthened bond between China and the ASEAN region. As China celebrates the Spring Festival, a time traditionally focused on family reunions and cultural heritage, it has also become a global event that transcends national borders, uniting diverse civilizations in celebration.

The theme of this year’s festiva, Steeds Herald Spring, Blessings Fill ASEAN, resonated deeply with the attendees. The horse, a symbol of vitality, forward momentum, and prosperity, was celebrated as a metaphor for the shared future of ASEAN and China. Both China and ASEAN cherish the values of harmony and coexistence, principles that align with the pursuit of unity and cooperation shared by all ASEAN member states.

Kao Kim Hourn, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, expressed his admiration for the global celebration of the Spring Festival. In his video address, he highlighted that the festival’s inclusion on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024 underscores the global importance of this vibrant tradition. He also noted that many ASEAN countries celebrate the Spring Festival, fostering deep cultural connections across borders.

Guangxi’s Key Role in Strengthening China-ASEAN Relations

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which hosted the event, played a pivotal role in strengthening China-ASEAN relations. As a permanent host of the China-ASEAN Expo, Guangxi serves as a bridge for economic and cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN countries. The region’s strategic role was highlighted by Li Pan, Director of the Information Office of the People’s Government of Guangxi. He underscored the importance of Guangxi as a gateway for bilateral exchanges and the role it plays in advancing China-ASEAN cooperation.

Guangxi has also embraced cutting-edge technology, with plans to integrate artificial intelligence into regional development. The region aims to create a seamless cooperation network between China and ASEAN through innovation, strengthening the economic and cultural ties that define the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Cultural Festivities and Artistic Performances

The event was a true celebration of Chinese culture, with a variety of performances that showcased the rich traditions of the country. The opening performance, The Beauty of China: Guangxi’s Zhuang Ethnic Charm, was a fusion of dance and music, creating a stunning representation of the region’s cultural heritage. The performance featured the famous Antiphonal Song from the Caidiao Opera and a beautiful orchestral rendition of classical Chinese melodies, bridging the gap between the East’s ancient traditions and modern artistic expression.

A key highlight was the collaboration between Chinese and ASEAN musicians, who performed traditional Chinese songs like Jasmine Flower and Spring River Water alongside Indonesian gamelan music. This cross-cultural musical exchange created an unforgettable experience for those in attendance, symbolising the harmonious relationship between the two regions.

During the event, Guangxi Radio and Television, together with ASEAN media outlets such as TVRI and El John TV, launched the China-ASEAN Spring Festival Short Video Exhibition Week. The videos showcased the Spring Festival celebrations across China and ASEAN countries, inviting global audiences to join the celebration and experience the joy of the festival online.

Immersive Cultural Experiences: A Taste of Spring

The cultural market at the ASEAN Headquarters was a highlight of the event, offering a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in Chinese traditions. Visitors experienced the art of paper-cutting, calligraphy, and traditional tea ceremonies. The Instant Joy Market allowed guests to experience the diversity of Chinese culture through hands-on activities that involved tasting traditional Spring Festival foods and learning about Chinese customs.

Another exciting experience was the introduction of Guangxi’s AI technology. Using smart translation devices and AR glasses, attendees were able to enjoy barrier-free communication and explore the ancient cultural landscape of the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art. The integration of modern technology with ancient culture brought a new dimension to the celebration, offering a glimpse into the future of cultural exchange.

A Shared Future: Looking Ahead

As the event came to a close, the Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, Wang Qing, delivered a heartfelt message about the significance of the Spring Festival. He noted that the celebrations were a testament to the growing friendship between China and ASEAN, a relationship that is not only based on trade and diplomacy but also on shared cultural values and a mutual commitment to peace and prosperity.

The celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival in Jakarta was not just a cultural event but a symbol of the deepening ties between China and ASEAN. With the Year of the Horse, both regions are poised to gallop forward in their journey toward a future of shared prosperity, unity, and cooperation.

The cultural event which takes place at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta demonstrates how Spring Festival celebrations function as cultural bridges that unite diverse civilizations for better mutual understanding and appreciation between their people. The celebration honors Chinese heritage while uniting all ASEAN nations through their common dreams and aspirations.

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