On February 15, the Chinese Embassy in Australia and Australia China Friendship Society (ACFS) ACT Branch jointly held a Lantern Festival at Beijing Garden in Canberra. Ambassador Xiao Qian and ACFS President Carol Keil attended and delivered speeches. The wonderful performances by the ANU Chinese Classical Music Ensemle and Chinese art groups attracted nearly 1,000 Australian people.

Ambassador Xiao Qian extended Chinese New Year greetings to the public on the spot, and said that Lantern Festival is an important part of Chinese New Year celebration. This year’s Lantern Festival is the first time to be held after Spring Festival has been officially listed as a representative work of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.In traditional Chinese culture, lanterns symbolize light, hope and prosperity. In the new year, China is willing to work with Australia to take the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries as a guide, to continuously enhance the people's friendship and understanding, and to jointly promote the relationship between the two countries to a brighter future.

Carol said the lantern festival had been held in Beijing Garden for ten years, and more people are welcome to join in celebrating the Chinese New Year.

The dancing dragon led lantern parade before the end of the event brought people to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.