Spring Festival cultural series kicks off in Laos
The 2025 "One River, One Family" Spring Festival cultural series kicks off in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Jan. 15, 2025. [Photo/CICG]
The 2025 "One River, One Family" Spring Festival cultural series kicked off in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on Jan. 15. More than 160 guests from the political, media, cultural and tourism sectors in China and Laos attended the event, sharing insights on infrastructure construction, media cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Vansay Tavinyan, deputy head of the Publicity and Training Board of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and editor-in-chief of Laos' Pasaxon newspaper, remarked that the event helps people understand the Spring Festival and highlights the close cooperation between the media sectors of China and Laos. He called for increased collaboration to present a comprehensive and objective narrative of social progress and achievements between the two countries.
Fang Hong, Chinese ambassador to Laos, delivers a speech at the 2025 "One River, One Family" Spring Festival cultural event in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Jan. 15, 2025. [Photo/CICG]
Fang Hong, Chinese ambassador to Laos, said that Chinese New Year celebrations are a vital part of cultural exchange between countries. Both China's Spring Festival and the Lao traditional Lamvong dance are recognized on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reflecting the two countries' commitment to preserving and carrying on traditional culture. As friendly neighbors, China and Laos share significant opportunities for collaboration under the Global Civilization Initiative, she said.
Savankhone Razmountry, president of the Lao Journalists' Association, noted that China and Laos have deepened cooperation over the years in various areas, including the China-Laos Railway, economic and trade investment, infrastructure development and talent cultivation. He expressed hope that the two countries would continue to exchange ideas and enhance cultural understanding in order to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech at the 2025 "One River, One Family" Spring Festival cultural event in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Jan. 15, 2025. [Photo/CICG]
Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group (CICG), noted that the China-Laos Railway serves as a bridge for cultural communication between the two nations, injecting vitality into regional development and fostering people-to-people exchanges. He emphasized the importance of leveraging traditional festivals like the Chinese New Year to promote cultural understanding and dialogue.
During the event, guests launched the "One River, One Family" video solicitation campaign and the "One Family" Spring Festival-themed market. CICG was among the event organizers.
As a prelude to the series, a unique cross-border Spring Festival Gala took place on Jan. 14 aboard the D87 train, which traveled from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province in southwestern China, to Vientiane.