VT | PHILADELPHIA, Pa. | Jan. 28, 2026
As the Lunar Year of the Horse approaches, the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Concert and “Hello! China” Tourism Promotion Event was held at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Jointly organized by the China National Tourist Office New York and The Philadelphia Orchestra, the event combined a concert, thematic exhibition, and tourism promotion activities to deepen people-to-people exchange between China and the United States and foster mutual friendship. Nearly 2,500 guests, including representatives from government, business, academia, the Chinese American community, and local residents attended.
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng delivered remarks at the event. Other distinguished attendees included Consul General of China in New York Chen Li; Pennsylvania State Senators Sharif Street and Nikil Saval; Pennsylvania State Representative Keith Harris; Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs Razin Karu; Senior Deputy Director of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development David Briel; Founder of the U.S.–China Business & Travel Association Zhang Wenlong; Director of the China National Tourist Office New York Ma Yunfei; and Ryan Fleur, President and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts.
People-to-People Exchange as a Bridge, a Medium, and a Mirror
Ambassador Xie noted that President Xi Jinping has emphasized that “the hope of China–U.S. relations lies in the people, and the foundation lies in the people.” As both countries explore a new path for their relationship in the new era, people-to-people exchange remains essential to strengthening mutual understanding. He stressed the importance of using cultural exchange as a bridge to foster friendship through artistic resonance, as a medium to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and as a mirror to encourage mutual learning and shared appreciation of cultural diversity.
Ambassador Xie also referenced the recent popularity of videos showcasing Chinese lifestyles on U.S. social media, reflecting the strong foundation of grassroots exchanges between the two countries. He highlighted China’s continued efforts to facilitate inbound travel, including improved services in customs clearance, payment systems, transportation, and accommodation. China has implemented a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for travelers from 55 countries, including the United States, and welcomes American visitors to experience a vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming China.
Tourism Promotion and Historical Cultural Ties
Ma Yunfei, Director of the China National Tourist Office New York, emphasized that tourism serves as a warm and powerful bond connecting people. China will continue to optimize travel services and welcomes American visitors to explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural vitality.
The on-site exhibition, “On the Road in China,” featured archival images documenting more than five decades of exchanges between The Philadelphia Orchestra and China, highlighting music’s unique role in promoting cultural understanding.
Ryan Fleur, President and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra, reflected on the Orchestra’s long history of engagement with China and expressed the ensemble’s commitment to continuing to build bridges through music. Before the concert began, he also extended Lunar New Year greetings in Chinese to global Chinese communities through CUS.
Concert Showcases Cultural Harmony
That evening’s “Happy Chinese New Year” concert took place in Marian Anderson Hall, conducted by Naomi Woo. The Philadelphia Orchestra performed alongside artists from the Central Conservatory of Music, including erhu virtuoso Yu Hongmei and pipa master Zhang Hongyan. Together they presented a program of Chinese and Western works, illustrating the beauty of cultural fusion.
Taking the Year of the Horse as an opportunity, the event integrated tourism promotion with musical exchange, further strengthening people-to-people ties and contributing positive momentum to China–U.S. cultural relations.
