On February 12, the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles hosted the "Experience China – Lantern Festival Celebration" Open Day Event. Consul General Guo Shaochun and his wife, Madame Wang Wei, celebrated the Lantern Festival of Year of the Snake with over 120 teachers and students from 4 local schools in Los Angeles.

Consul General Guo said that the Lantern Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday and an important part of the Spring Festival. In 2024, the Spring Festival was officially included in the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, providing a window for the world to understand China. He shared stories of American youth visiting China and encouraged participation in President Xi Jinping's "50,000 Students in Five Years" initiative, which aims to provide more American students and teachers with opportunities to experience a real and comprehensive China. Guo said that the Consulate General will promote and facilitate more youth exchanges.

The students performed dances inspired by traditional Chinese culture, "Mang Zhong" and "Kung Fu Fan". The Diplomats of the Consulate General joined American teachers and students in calligraphy writing, dumpling-making, lantern crafting, and fan painting. The event was filled with a festive atmosphere, laughter, and joy.