On February 9, 2025, Visions France, in collaboration with the Paris Centre District Council, successfully hosted a grand “Nouvel An Chinois” Chinese New Year Celebration at the Hôtel de Ville du Centre de Paris.
The event brought together officials from the Paris Centre Government, the Chinese Embassy in France, the Federation of Chinese Associations in France, and numerous distinguished guests from political, cultural, and business circles, to welcome the Year of the Snake.
Jointly organized by Visions France, the Paris Centre City Hall, and partner associations, the celebration offered a cultural feast blending tradition and modernity.
Opening Ceremony — Awakening the Lions for Prosperity
The festivities began with the traditional Lion Eye-Dotting Ceremony, presided over by Mr. Ariel Weil, Mayor of Paris Centre; Mr. Wan Lei, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in France; and Mr. Zheng Jinbiao and Mr. Liu Xiaoyong, President and Vice President of the Federation of Chinese Associations in France.
As the audience applauded, the lions came alive—leaping and swirling with power and grace—ushering in good fortune and prosperity for the new year.
The dragon and lion dance teams, accompanied by the beating of drums, filled the square with vibrant energy and festive spirit.
Speeches — A Shared Celebration of Community
Following the opening, guests gathered in the main hall for a series of official addresses.
Leaders expressed warm wishes to the Chinese community and acknowledged its important role in Parisian cultural life.
Mr. Zheng Jinbiao emphasized that the Spring Festival is not only a celebration of Chinese heritage but also a bridge of friendship between China and France.
The cultural program offered a dual feast of classical and contemporary art, showcasing the richness of Chinese creativity:
LED Fire Dance: dazzling lights and energetic choreography ignited the stage.
Ethnic and Modern Dance: traditional elegance intertwined with modern dynamism.
Poetry and Song: emotional recitations and melodic performances expressed heartfelt New Year wishes.
Guzheng Performance: the graceful notes of the Chinese zither evoked the beauty of ancient landscapes.
Song Dynasty Tea Ceremony: performed by Zhang Yimeng, inheritor of Ru porcelain heritage, the live demonstration invited the audience to experience the thousand-year-old art of tea.
After the performances, guests gathered for a cocktail reception, enjoying drinks and conversation in a warm, convivial atmosphere that symbolized intercultural harmony.
The Beauty of Craftsmanship — Traditional Arts on Display
Throughout the evening, visitors explored exhibitions of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, presented by various associations:
Bamboo Lantern Weaving: elegant patterns of light and shadow.
Handcrafted Dragon Lanterns: vivid works of folk artistry.
Traditional Headpieces: handmade creations by Gu Yun Paris, celebrating the refinement of Chinese fashion.
Spirits, Tea, and Incense Culture: demonstrations of distillation, Song-style tea making, and incense rituals, showcasing the depth of Chinese cultural heritage.
Visions France extends heartfelt thanks to its partners and sponsors — Espagne Royale, Bo Bun Marais, and Xiang Tian Xia — for their generous support.
This celebration was not only a visual and cultural triumph, but also a testament to the enduring friendship and cultural exchange between China and France.
Together, we look forward to an even brighter shared future.
