Performances and activities by staff and MLAs from the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury (CIUC) added vibrancy to the 2025 Happy Chinese New Year Festival, celebrating the Year of the Snake. The grand event was co-hosted by the Christchurch City Council and the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch from 7 to 8 February, 2025 in the historic Victoria Square in the city centre. With its vibrant performances and cultural activities, as well as Chinese food, contributed by local organizations and enterprises as well as artists from China, attracted over 50,000 visitors, including both locals and tourists.
The Confucius Institute contributed two performances on the main stage, including a Tai Chi Broadsword demonstration and a Sichuan Opera face-changing act, both of which captivated audiences and showcased the richness of Chinese traditions.
On the main stage, Ms. Wang Hongchun from the Confucius Institute performed a breathtaking Tai Chi Broadsword routine, demonstrating the grace, strength, and precision of Chinese martial arts. The fluid yet powerful movements earned her enthusiastic applause, leaving the audience mesmerized by the artistry of the performance. Following this, Mandarin Language Assistant Mr. Fan Yuhang, also from the Confucius Institute, performed the iconic Sichuan Opera face-changing act. Dressed in traditional attire, Mr. Fan rapidly changed his vividly coloured masks to the rhythm of dramatic music, thrilling the crowd. His energetic interaction with the audience, especially children eager to uncover the secret behind the face-changing, heightened the excitement and joy of the performance.
Beyond the main stage, the Confucius Institute also showcased its commitment to cultural education through its interactive garden booth. This cultural experience area offered visitors the opportunity to try their hand at Chinese arts and crafts, including calligraphy, paper-cutting, lantern-making, and traditional toys like bamboo dragonflies. Under the guidance of enthusiastic Confucius Institute teachers, many visitors practiced writing the Chinese character “福” (meaning fortune) and marveled at the delicate beauty of Chinese calligraphy. The booth also sparked interest in the Institute’s Chinese language courses and cultural events, as many attendees expressed a desire to learn more about Chinese culture.
The 2025 Chinese New Year Carnival was a tremendous success, with the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury playing a key role in bringing Chinese culture to life for the local community and visitors alike. The Institute’s performances and cultural activities not only entertained but also educated, strengthening the cultural ties between New Zealand and China and leaving a lasting impression on all who participated.
