The London Eye lights up in red and gold on Tuesday to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake, which fell on Jan 29. [Photo by Allan Hong / provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
As part of Chinese New Year celebrations across London, England, the iconic London Eye was lit up in red and gold on Tuesday night to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake, which fell on Jan 29.
The lighting-up ceremony was co-hosted by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, or LCCA, and Merlin Entertainments, the company that operates the London Eye.
Deng Zhuting (eighth from left), president of the LCCA, poses with some of the attendees at the Chinese New Year celebration at the London Eye on Tuesday. [Photo by Allan Hong / provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Deng Zhuting, president of the LCCA, and Sabrina de Carvalho, senior vice-president and managing director of UK attractions at Merlin Entertainments, announced the launch of London's Chinese New Year celebrations.
"We at LCCA are happy to work with London Eye again to welcome the auspicious Year of the Snake," Deng said. "We invite all to join the Chinese New Year celebration gala at Trafalgar Square and Chinatown on Feb 2, during the Spring Festival."
De Carvalho said: "The lighting of the night is a bespoke design for the Chinese New Year, with the colors symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. We hope everyone in London and our friends across East Asia have a prosperous and joyful year ahead."
A traditional lion and dragon dance is performed at the London Eye on Tuesday as the iconic landmark was lit up in red and gold to celebrate the Chinese New Year. [Photo by He Xiating/chinadaily.com.cn]
A traditional lion and dragon dance was performed at the London landmark, drawing crowds with its rhythmic drumming and dynamic movements.
Alice Gendre, a visitor from Paris, France, expressed her admiration for both the performance and Chinese culture in general, saying: "China plays such an important role in many aspects of the world today. Even though I don't know much about Chinese culture, I find them incredibly fascinating. Celebrations like this are so beautiful. They help people like me understand and appreciate Chinese traditions more deeply. I'd love to learn the language and explore more of this incredible culture."
Michael Bates has been celebrating Chinese New Year and Spring Festival since he met his Chinese wife, Mei Mei, a vice-president of the LCCA, eight years ago. He said it was great to see the lighting-up of the London Eye and the vigorous lion and dragon dance.
"It's a really amazing experience, really theatrical. I think everybody enjoys watching this," he said.
Since 2015, the London Eye has been illuminated in red and gold every Chinese New Year, creating a unique festive atmosphere along the River Thames. The tradition has grown into a highlight of the city's festivities and serves as a symbol of cultural exchange between China and the UK. Each year, it not only brings the Chinese community in London together but also fosters a deeper appreciation for Chinese heritage among a global audience.
A traditional lion and dragon dance is performed at the London Eye on Tuesday to celebrate the Chinese New Year. [Phoot by Allan Hong / provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The London Eye is illuminated in red and gold on Tuesday to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake, which fell on Jan 29. [Photo by He Xiating/chinadaily.com.cn]
A traditional lion and dragon dance is performed at the London Eye on Tuesday to celebrate the Chinese New Year. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
