On 27 February 2026, the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery was adorned with lanterns and streamers for the grand opening of the “Year of the Horse” Chinese New Year celebrations.

Hosted by the Bristol Museum, supported by the China National Tourist Office (CNTO) London, and organised by MIC Media, this feast of traditional intangible cultural heritage and modern art not only ignited festive passion across the West of England but also opened a new chapter in UK-China cultural exchange.

A Sold-Out Success: The West of England’s Chinese New Year “Cultural Landmark”

On the day of the event, long queues formed early outside the Bristol Museum. The venue was packed to capacity, with both the morning and afternoon sessions completely sold out.

Distinguished guests, including Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol; Dr Kalpna Woolf MBE, High Sheriff of Bristol; and Councillor Henry Michallat, the Lord Mayor of Bristol, joined thousands of local residents to experience the charm of Oriental culture amidst a vibrant Chinese New Year atmosphere.

Cultural and Tourism Integration: The Debut of the “Nihao! China” Brand

As a key component of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s global “Happy Chinese New Year” celebrations, the Chinese inbound tourism brand “Nihao! China” made its first appearance at the Bristol Museum.

Zhang Li, Director of CNTO London, expressed his gratitude in his speech to all sectors of British society for their long-term support of UK-China cultural and tourism exchanges. He stated that CNTO London will continue to build platforms for exchange and welcomes more British friends to visit China to experience the charm of Chinese culture and the vitality of its development.

Event Highlights: Heritage Craftsmanship and Modern Interpretation

The celebration featured a diverse array of highlights, showcasing the multi-faceted nature of Chinese culture:

• Martial Arts and Lion Spirits: The powerful strength of Shaolin Kung Fu complemented the agile movements of traditional Lion Dancing. The air was filled with the sound of gongs and drums, creating an electric atmosphere.
• A Fusion of Arts: Meaningful Chinese recitations and dynamic modern music achieved a perfect blend of traditional Chinese New Year customs and contemporary aesthetics.
• The Power of Resilience: Enamel intangible heritage artworks created by disabled artisans from Guangzhou made a stunning showcase. The exquisite Lingnan craftsmanship and the resilient spirit of the artisans moved every member of the audience, earning prolonged applause.

Sister City Witness: A New Chapter for a 25-Year Friendship

The year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the sister-city relationship between Guangzhou and Bristol. This event not only deepened the local community’s understanding of Chinese culture but also injected new vitality into cultural and tourism interactions between the two cities.

From the display of intangible heritage masterpieces to the promotion of cultural tourism resources, the event used culture as a bridge and the spirit of the Chinese New Year as a medium to allow excellent Chinese culture to take root in Bristol. Under the auspicious symbolism of the Year of the Horse—representing “forging ahead”—the friendship and mutual learning between Chinese and British civilisations are writing a more vivid footnote for the future.