On 1 February afternoon, one of London’smost popular landmarks—Camden Market—hosted its first-ever spectacular Chinese New Year celebration, the 2025 Year of the Snake Festival. The vibrant event drew massive crowds, creating a festive atmosphere that immersed Londoners in the rich traditions of Chinese New Year. Visitors from around the world also gathered to celebrate this iconic cultural festival from the East.
Organised by the Camden Market and exclusively supported by the China National Tourist Office London (CNTO London), the event carried the theme “Nihao! China”, promoting cultural exchange and tourism between China and the UK. Blending Chinese traditions with contemporary UK influences, the festival offered an immersive cultural feast that captivated attendees with its unique charm.
Folk Customs & “China chic” Marketplace: Bringing Chinese New Year to London
At Camden Market, streets are lit up with dazzling ChineseNew Year decorations, creating a warm and festive ambiance. Invited by CNTO London, performers from theGuizhou Acrobatic Troupe delivered breathtaking acts, Diabolo, the masterful hand-balancing performance Rhythmic Youth, and the dreamlike dance performance Moonlight. Each performance was met with gasps of awe and rounds of applause from the audience. Dressed in traditional costumes representing Guizhou’s ethnic minorities, the performers not only displayed their remarkable skills but also offered the audience a glimpse into the kaleidoscopic cultures of China’s ethnic groups.
The “China chic” Marketplace quickly became a popular destination for visitors, featuring characteristic stalls filled with traditional Chinese handicrafts, delicious food, and Chinese New Year cultural souvenirs that captivated every visitor. Tourists eagerly paused to experience traditional Chinese crafts such as paper cutting, calligraphy, and lacquer fan-making, immersing themselves in the unique charm of the Chinese New Year.
“Nihao! China” Waterbus Canal Tour: A Chinese New Year Celebration on London’s Canal
The celebration also fully embraced London’s iconic canal, hosting a distinctive “Nihao! China” Waterbus Canal Tour. The boats were adorned with the “Nihao! China” national tourism logo, as passengers waved signs to welcome the Year of the Snake. The children on board happily coloured in cartoon images of the snake, adding a fun touch to the festive atmosphere.
China Tourism Booth Draws Huge Crowds, with Enthusiastic Global Visitors
CNTO London set up a dedicated tourism booth, showcasing a wealth of travel resources. Featuring travel guides for popular destinations such as Beijing, Gansu, Guizhou, and Yunnan, as well as Chinese tourism maps, the booth attracted many visitors to seek information. As the first Chinese New Year celebration following China’s successful UNESCO heritage listing, the office also hosted a special quiz with prizes about Chinese New Year. Tourists from the UK, US, Italy, Spain, and other countries, as well as Chinese children, eagerly participated, winning Chinese New Year-themed souvenirs such as auspicious snake toys, red envelopes, National Museum of China calendars, and couplets, all infused with Chinese cultural flair.
Performers from the Guizhou Acrobatic Troupe also promoted Guizhou’s tourism resources at the booth, inviting visitors to experience this picturesque and vibrant region firsthand.
Traditional Chinese Costume Parade Illuminates Camden Market as Locals and Tourists Celebrate the Festival Together.
At the end of the event, dozens of young people, both Chinese and international, dressed in traditional Hanfu and ethnic minority costumes, paraded through Camden Market holding “Nihao! China” signs. Their flowing garments resembled a living Chinese painting, captivating countless visitors who stopped to take photos and immerse themselves in the profound heritage of Chinese culture.
Speeches from Various Guests Celebrate the Year of the Snake
At the opening ceremony, several distinguished guests delivered enthusiastic speeches, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event. Among them were Samata Khatoon, Mayor of the London Borough of Camden, Li Liyan, Minister Counsellor (Cultural) at the Embassy of the People’sRepublic of China, Abdul Hai, LabTech Director of Community Relations and Public Affairs, Pan Hang, Director Assistant of the China National Tourist Office London, Richard Olszewski, Leader of the London Borough of Camden, and Anne Clarke, London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden.
In his speech, Pan Hang, Director Assistant of CNTO London, extended an invitation to all: “As we welcome the Year of the Snake, I warmly invite all of you to visit China in 2025. Whether it’s the Great Wall, the stunning landscapes, or the vibrant cities, there is so much to explore. We look forward to sharing the beauty and hospitality of China with you!”
