On February 22, Ambassador Wang Xiaolong attended and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the Second Wellington Lantern Festival, held at the Botanical Gardens. The event was graced by the presence of Mr Greg O’Connor, Assistant Speaker of Parliament, Members of Parliament Melissa Lee and Nancy Lu, Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, and Debbie Chin, President of Wellington Chinese Association, along with other Wellington city councilors.
Photo by Vicky Lu
Ambassador Wang began by extending heartfelt Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival greetings to the attendees. He said that the Lantern Festival, as another pinnacle and the wrap-up of Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizes hope for a brighter future through its radiant lights, much like the Maori New Year, Matariki, which looks to the stars to mark new beginnings. The glow of lanterns and the twinkle of stars come together in projecting a shared vision of harmony between humanity and nature and between the different nations of the world.
Photo by Vicky Lu
Ambassador Wang praised the unique and significant role played by the members of the Chinese community in New Zealand, expressing gratitude for their efforts in enhancing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between China and New Zealand, and for fostering friendship and cooperation between the peoples of both countries.
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Vicky Lu
He noted that this year marks the beginning of the second decade of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and New Zealand. China looks forward to collaborating with New Zealand to put into action the latest agreements reached by the leaders of both countries, foster a relationship rooted in mutual respect and mutual accommodation, focusing on cooperation and common development to benefit the two peoples and contribute to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Vicky Lu
In their speeches, the New Zealand guests conveyed their best wishes for the Year of the Snake, reaffirmed New Zealand's commitment to promoting cultural diversity, stating that celebrating traditional Chinese festivals like the Lantern Festival holds a distinct value in today's world as it strengthens unity among different ethnic groups.
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Meng Tao
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Qian Lihong
The daytime of the Wellington Lantern Festival was bathed in warm sunshine, with throngs of visitors enjoying the festivities. As night fell, the stars shone brilliantly, and a gentle breeze swept through the air. The Botanical Gardens were adorned with colorful lanterns, exuding a joyous atmosphere. A majestic, over four-meter-tall "Auspicious Snake" lantern, both spirited and endearing, attracted bustling crowds eager to take photos. Over two days, the main stage in the Botanical Gardens hosted a dazzling array of performances showcasing Chinese culture, including songs, dances, instrumental music, and traditional opera. The vibrant dragon dance throbbed with the heartbeat of Chinese culture, while the lively cultural stalls across the street in front of Anglican Chinese Mission Church immersed visitors in the charm of Chinese traditions. Together, they serve as a testament to the beauty of multicultural interaction.
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Xu Qian
Photo by Vicky Lu