China Institute Centennial Lunar New Year Family Festival

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with China Institute! As we mark our centennial year of bridging cultures and fostering connections, we invite you and your family to gallop into the Year of the Horse with unparalleled cultural experiences from China, right in the heart of New York City.

Co-organized with the Shanghai Museum, a world-class museum dedicated to ancient Chinese art, this year’s festival features rich traditions, interactive workshops, and mesmerizing performances for all ages. Join us for a journey that promises to inspire, educate, and delight the entire family!

Schedule

2:00 – 2:20 PM | Lion Dance

2:20 – 2:30 PM | Opening Remarks

2:30 – 2:45 PM | Music Performance (Guzheng, Pipa, Erhu, Sheng, Suona)

• Silk Road《丝绸之路》

• This is NeZha《就是哪吒》

2:30 – 5:00 PM | Experiential Stations: red envelope decorating, fan making, bronze “Fu” (福) printing, traditional puzzles, lantern riddles, festive lotteries, and Music Corner to interact with the musicians!

3:00 – 5:00 PM | Interactive Workshops (first-come, first-served, as spaces are limited.)

• Conserving Art 我在修“文物”
  3:00-3:20 workshop 1
  3:30-3:50 workshop 2
  4:00-4:20 workshop 3
  4:30-4:50 workshop 4

• Make a Lucky Pendant 吉祥挂坠
  3:00-3:20 workshop 1
  3:30-3:50 workshop 2
  4:00-4:20 workshop 3
  4:30-4:50 workshop 4

• Color an Equestrienne Figurine 彩绘骑马俑
  3:00-3:30 workshop 1
  3:45-4:15 workshop 2
  4:30-5:00 workshop 3

• Yuan Bao Tea 元宝茶
  3:00-3:20 workshop 1
  3:30-3:50 workshop 2
  4:00-4:20 workshop 3
  4:30-4:50 workshop 4

Interactive Workshops

Workshops are first-come, first-served, as spaces are limited. Sign-up for workshops will be available at check-in.

Conserving Art: I’m Fixing Cultural Treasures 我在修“文物”

Step into the world of museum conservators through hands-on experiences like piecing together simulated bronzes and ceramics. Explore the brilliance of traditional Chinese craftsmanship by assembling and disassembling mortise-and-tenon joints and gain a deeper appreciation for the care behind preserving cultural heritage.

Make a Lucky Pendant 吉祥挂坠

Coins in ancient China were more than currency—they were symbols of luck, protection, and hope. Using replica ancient coins inspired by the Shanghai Museum’s numismatic collection, string together porcelain beads, tassels, and traditional knots to craft a charming pendant filled with New Year wishes.

Color an Equestrienne Figurine 彩绘骑马俑

Step into the vibrant world of the Tang dynasty, known for its openness and artistic brilliance. Paint a 3D-printed replica of a Tang sancai equestrienne figurine from the Shanghai Museum—follow the classic colors or create your own bold design in this hands-on art adventure.

Yuan Bao Tea 元宝茶

A cherished Spring Festival drink from China’s Jiangnan region, Yuan Bao Tea is made by steeping a pair of olives—shaped like ancient gold ingots—in hot water. Sip this symbolic tea and share a sweet New Year wish for prosperity, abundance, and “piles of fortune” in the year ahead.

Experiential Stations

Red Envelope Blessings 马年红包 
Create your own Lunar New Year red envelope inspired by Xu Beihong’s iconic Galloping Horse from the Shanghai Museum collection. Decorate it with traditional Chinese symbols of good fortune and take home a beautifully crafted envelope filled with heartfelt wishes for the year ahead. A beloved Lunar New Year tradition, red envelopes are given by elders to bless children with good fortune and protection in the year ahead.

Design Your Own “Galloping Horse” Round Fan 马奔团扇 
Discover the beauty of the traditional Chinese round fan, long associated with harmony and good fortune. Using a galloping horse motif inspired by Xu Beihong’s Galloping Horse from the Shanghai Museum collection, embellish your fan with festive stamps and create a meaningful New Year token to take home.

Make a “Fu” Pendant 福气满满

The character “Fu” (福) represents happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. Roll-print your own Fu onto a festive red ornament, using designs inspired by bronzes, calligraphy, and seals from the Shanghai Museum. A joyful keepsake to bring home a little extra luck!

A Virtual Tour along the Huangpu River VR游浦江

Put on a VR headset and take a virtual journey along Shanghai’s iconic Huangpu River. From historic landmarks to modern skylines, experience the warmth, rhythm, and charm of the city—no passport required.

Lantern Riddles 猜灯谜

A favorite festival pastime, lantern riddles combine wordplay, wisdom, and fun. Try solving riddles drawn from traditional sources—available in both Chinese and English—and enjoy this lively Lunar New Year tradition that challenges the mind while sharing auspicious wishes.

Welcoming the God of Wealth 接财神

Welcoming the God of Wealth is a beloved Lunar New Year tradition symbolizing prosperity earned through honor and virtue. Piece together a playful puzzle inspired by a Qing dynasty print of Guan Yu, the revered God of War and Wealth, and celebrate hopes for a fortunate year ahead.

Drawing a Blessing Card 抽福卡

Rooted in traditional New Year blessing rituals, this activity invites you to draw a card themed around “Five Blessings Arrive.” Each card carries a classic Chinese well-wish—offering a moment of surprise, joy, and good fortune to start the new year.

Year of the Horse Lantern Photo Spot 马年彩灯打卡

Strike a festive pose in front of a wall-sized display of Year of the Horse lanterns inspired by Shanghai Lantern Art, a national intangible cultural heritage. This glowing backdrop blends tradition with modern style—perfect for capturing joyful New Year memories.

Music Corner 中国音乐坊

Join talented musicians from the Echos of China Ensemble after their performance and explore the world of traditional Chinese music! Try your hand at instruments like the Guzheng, Pipa, Erhu, Sheng, and Suona, learn about the stories behind the music, and enjoy an interactive experience that brings these ancient sounds to life.

The Shanghai Museum 上海博物馆

The Shanghai Museum, established in 1952, is a world-class museum dedicated to ancient Chinese art. As one of the first major national-level museums in China, the Shanghai Museum houses more than 1.02 million artifacts, 145,000 of which are graded national treasures. The Museum's collection covers 33 categories, presenting a comprehensive image of Chinese material culture. Today, the Shanghai Museum stands among the world’s most comprehensive repositories of ancient Chinese art.

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