Chinese New Year, the most significant traditional festival for the Chinese people, embodies the cultural values of peace, harmony, and unity. It is not only a cherished time for family reunions in China but also a global cultural celebration gaining increasing attention worldwide. This year marks a historic milestone, as Chinese New Year has been officially added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, showcasing the global influence of Chinese culture.

2025 ushers in the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Snake. In Chinese tradition, the snake symbolizes wisdom, vitality, and good fortune, signifying a new year filled with energy and prosperity. To celebrate this festive season, the China National Tourist Office London has launched the iconic red double-decker bus campaign, “Nihao! China.” Adorned with cheerful “Auspicious Snake” motifs and vibrant Chinese New Year themes, the buses bring warm wishes and showcase Chinese tourism and culture across the streets of London, sharing the unique charm of China with the world.

London’s Iconic Red Double-Decker Bus Tour

From January 27 to February 9, 50 of London’s classic red double-decker buses will transform into “mobile Chinese New Year greeting cards.” Featuring the “Nihao! China” national tourism branding, the Happy Chinese New Year logo, and the Year of the Snake mascot, these buses will traverse London’s most famous landmarks, including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Bringing festive cheer to locals and tourists alike, the buses will deliver heartfelt Chinese New Year blessings and hopes for prosperity from China.

Join the Street Photography Contest and Win Exciting Prizes!

If you spot one of London’s iconic red double-decker buses featuring the “Nihao! China” campaign, don’t miss the chance to capture it with your camera! Not only will you document a vibrant moment of cultural exchange between China and the UK, but you could also win exclusive, limited-edition Year of the Snake gifts!

How to Participate:

1. Take a Photo or Video: Snap or film the red double-decker buses adorned with the “Nihao! China” tourism branding and the “Auspicious Snake” mascot. Bonus points for incorporating London landmarks, tourists, or passersby into your shot.

2. Photo Requirements:

o Format: JPG or JPEG

o Resolution: 300 dpi, minimum 2MB

o Include a title and a brief description (time, location, people, or events).

3. Video Requirements:

o Format: MP4 or MOV

o Orientation: Horizontal (16:9) or Vertical (9:16)

o Resolution: At least 1920×1080 pixels

o Include necessary explanatory text.

4. Submission: Email your entry along with your name to cntoldn@chinaculture.org.

Capture the spirit of Chinese New Year and share your vision with the world! 🌟

Irresistible Prizes Await!

We’ll select the most outstanding submissions to receive limited-edition Year of the Snake memorabilia! Packed with meaning and brimming with good fortune, these exclusive items are the ultimate charm to kickstart your Year of the Snake with luck and prosperity.

Prizes Include:

• Auspicious Snake Toy

• Fortune Snake Pin Set (Fu, Lu, Shou, Xi – symbols of blessing, prosperity, longevity, and happiness)

• Five-Coloured Auspicious Snake Badge

• National Museum of China Calendar

Don’t miss your chance to win these meaningful and collectible treasures! 📸🐍

Event Timeline

• Ad Campaign Period: January 27, 2025 – February 9, 2025

• Submission Deadline: February 10, 2025

Mark your calendars and don’t miss the chance to join the celebration! 🎉📸

High-Frequency Routes of London’s Iconic Red Double-Decker Buses

The iconic red double-decker buses will pass through some of London’s most famous landmarks, including the London Eye, Big Ben, the River Thames, and Trafalgar Square. Don’t miss your chance to spot and capture these festive buses in action!

Through the “Nihao! China” Chinese New Year campaign, we aim to showcase the charm of China’s traditional culture to the world. Each festive bus is not just a moving celebration of Chinese heritage but also an open invitation to global travellers: Nihao! China Come and explore its wonders!

Capture the Festive Spirit and Win Exclusive Prizes!

Organizer: China National Tourist Office London

Partner: DNA Media Group

Check out the 2024 “Nihao! China” London Bus Campaign Video below ↓↓↓