As China welcomed the Year of the Horse in February 2026, a diverse group of expatriates residing in Shanghai offered unique perspectives on experiencing the nation’s most significant traditional festival. Through a specially produced video feature, these international residents shared authentic narratives about how they celebrate Spring Festival while living abroad, providing valuable insights for newcomers and long-term foreign residents alike.
The expats’ personal accounts reveal how cultural immersion during Spring Festival creates meaningful connections with Chinese traditions. Their stories demonstrate the evolving nature of this ancient celebration in a modern, cosmopolitan city like Shanghai, where ancient customs blend with contemporary urban life. The video documentation serves as both a practical guide and cultural bridge, helping the international community better understand and participate in festival activities.
Concurrent with these personal stories, Chinese authorities reported significant developments across various sectors during the holiday period. Notably, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate announced a decline in prosecutors facing investigations and disciplinary actions, indicating strengthened judicial oversight. Transportation infrastructure saw technological advancements with drone networks deployed to accelerate accident response on Guangdong’s expressways, significantly improving travel safety during the busy Spring Festival migration period.
In cultural preservation efforts, 30 panda cubs born throughout 2025 made their public debut, symbolizing new beginnings and traditional Spring Festival greetings. Meanwhile, Yunnan’s breathtaking Baishuitai terraces attracted visitors under clear spring skies, while the Confucius Museum in Shandong hosted special New Year cultural events and traditional market activities. The ancient city of Datong celebrated with spectacular lantern displays, illuminating both historical sites and modern public spaces.
China’s technological ambitions advanced with the successful completion of a critical flight test for the nation’s manned lunar mission, demonstrating progress in space exploration capabilities. Social initiatives also gained attention as innovative programs emerged to support ‘elderly drifters’ finding community connections away from their hometowns, and Chongqing’s Firefly Stray Cat Park implemented programs where homeless felines ‘earn’ their meals through community interaction.
The comprehensive coverage of Spring Festival 2026 illustrates how traditional Chinese celebrations continue to evolve while maintaining cultural significance, with both domestic and international participants finding new ways to engage with these time-honored traditions.