The recent Spring Festival celebration held at the United Nations headquarters is both entertaining and thought-provoking with highlights such as a captivating performance of Beijing Opera in showcasing cultural exchange.

The performance of excerpts from two masterpieces of Beijing Opera by a duo of juvenile students of the famous Chinese traditional performing art, featuring intricate costumes, graceful movements and expressive storytelling, won resounding applause at the gala hosted by the UN Chinese Book Club on Friday night.

Zhang Jingwen, 10, and Wei Jiahe, 9, had traveled all the way from Beijing to give the performance, as part of a showcase of Chinese cultural heritage as well as cultural exchange, by bringing a vivid slice of China's rich artistic tradition to the international stage.

Students perform Beijing Opera during a Chinese New Year gala at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Jan 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Their performance added a vibrant touch to an evening replete with reflections on global unity and renewal represented by the spirit of the upcoming Lunar Year of the Snake, as shown in addresses made by Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN and some of the senior UN officials on the occasion.

Speaking to an audience of over 500 gathering for the celebration gala, Fu extended heartfelt New Year greetings and expressed gratitude to all those who have supported the UN's mission and China's ongoing collaboration with the global body.

"Spring Festival is not only China's most important traditional holiday but also a bridge that connects Chinese culture with the world," Fu said while noting the festival's December inclusion by UNESCO onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

"From becoming a UN holiday to being inscribed on UNESCO's heritage list, the Spring Festival showcases its timeless cultural brilliance while building new bridges for intercultural understanding."

On the connotation of the Year of the Snake, Fu drew parallels between the snake's ability to shed its skin and humanity's resilience in times of crisis. "In nature, the snake symbolizes the wisdom and strength to renew itself amid adversity. This is precisely the quality we need as we face today's challenges," he said.

Fu emphasized China's commitment to multilateralism in addressing global issues. "Over the past year, in the face of complex international dynamics, China has steadfastly practiced true multilateralism, defended the authority of the United Nations, and advanced initiatives that reflect the wisdom and solutions of China."

Looking ahead to the UN's 80th anniversary this year, Fu called for collective courage and innovation. "At this critical juncture, the world expects the UN to lead humanity toward a future that is more equal, secure, prosperous, and sustainable. We must embrace the spirit of the snake, shedding old challenges to emerge stronger and more united."

In his address, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua stressed the importance of unity as the global body's 80th anniversary is approaching.

"All member states must work together to make 2025 a year not of division but of unity," said Li, echoing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call in his New Year's message to "make 2025 a new beginning: not as a divided world, but as united nations."

"Today's gathering involves the warmth of your UN family, a chance to celebrate traditions and connections that transcend borders," said Melissa Fleming, UN under-secretary-general for global communications.

She said that the snake, as related to the Year of the Snake, represents "wisdom, intelligence and resilience," qualities which she said the troubled world could use in the coming year. Fleming emphasized the UN's vision of a better tomorrow, where "everyone can live in peace, in dignity and in equality on a healthy planet."

Cherith Norman Chalet, assistant secretary-general for the General Assembly and conference management, echoed these sentiments. "Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, reflection and renewal. It also reminds us of the values of peace, harmony and prosperity."

Chalet highlighted the valuable contributions of the UN's talented Chinese colleagues, whose "perspectives, language skills, traditions enable us to connect more deeply with each other and with the communities around the world."

Friday's gala to celebrate the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year in many areas around the world, also featured engaging interactive activities such as "Welcoming Spring with the Character 'Fu' (Good Fortune)," "New Year Photo Frame Check-in," and "Red Packet Rubbing," allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere while exploring the rich traditions and innovative celebrations of Chinese New Year.

Among the standout moments of the evening were Yin Renkai's heartfelt performance of the song of "My Chinese Heart" in Chinese, English and Spanish, and the new Chinese-style stage performance of "Jingshan Tea Ceremony: A Global Tea Banquet," presented by the Yuhang Cultural Tourism Group of Hangzhou, which seamlessly blended the Chan tea culture of Jingshan Temple from China's ancient Tang and Song dynasties with contemporary theatrical dance.