On February 1, 2025 (the fourth day of the first lunar month), the “Fantastic Beijing Fair”,a cultural event hosted by Communication University of China (CUC), opened in London, UK.This marked the first overseas Spring Festival celebration following the successful inclusion of the Chinese New Year in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The event, co-organized by CUC’s School of International Studies and the Asian Media Research Center, in collaboration with the International Education Institution and the Chinese Painting Research Institute of CUC,offered Londoners an immersive experience of Beijing’s rich cultural heritage, blending the charm of old Beijing's hutongs, the legacy of the Winter Olympics, and traditional Spring Festival customs.
Image 1: Promotional Brochure for the 'Fantastic Beijing Fair' Cultural Event
Image 2: On-Site Scenes from the 'Fantastic Beijing Fair' Cultural Event
At the heart of the event was an exhibition of 35 calligraphy and painting works meticulously crafted by faculty and students from CUC’s Chinese Painting Research Institute. From traditional ink wash paintings to seal carvings and couplets, each piece reflected a profound understanding and innovative interpretation of Chinese culture, showcasing the unique aesthetic of Chinese art. Accompanying the exhibition were video presentations such as This is Beijing, Crafting Civilization Beijing Center, and Dancing Beijing, which highlighted the city’s blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy, as well as its legacy as a “Dual Olympic City.”
Images 3-5: Visitors are Captivated by Exhibition of Works by CUC Faculty and Students
The event featured a dedicated Beijing-themed cultural and creative experience zone, where traditional elements such as red lanterns, Chinese knots, and “Fu” character paper cuttings created a festive atmosphere. Families were particularly drawn to the interactive activities. One British attendee remarked, “These exhibits have given me a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the Spring Festival. The creativity of CUC is truly impressive!”
Images 6-7: The Event Site Radiates a Joyful Spring Festival Ambiance, with the Beijing Cultural Experience Zone as a Highlight
Leveraging CUC’s expertise in intelligent media convergence, the event launched a “Cloud Exhibition Hall” platform. Through high-definition images of exhibits, multilingual guided tours, and in-depth cultural interpretations, the platform provided an immersive experience for audiences in the UK and across Europe.
Images 8-9: Multilingual Promotional Videos and Beijing Image Presentations Played at the Event
The Spring Festival is not only a significant symbol of Chinese culture but also embodies the values of diversity, harmony, and coexistence, offering a foundation for mutual understanding among different cultures. This event successfully established a bridge for cultural exchange between China and the UK, demonstrating the universal appeal of the Spring Festival as a shared global cultural heritage. Through art exhibitions, digital communication, and interactive experiences, the event facilitated the exchange of Chinese traditional culture with global diversity. It marked another successful practice by CUC in leveraging its academic strengths, innovating international communication paradigms, and promoting mutual learning among civilizations.
（Editors: SUI Xin, LI Fangni）
