People in many Asian countries have welcomed Lunar New Year 2026, the Year of the Horse, with a vibrant array of light displays and artistic performances.

People in China welcome Lunar New Year 2026. Video: Xinhua

According to CGTN, audiences across China greeted the new year with the annual Spring Festival Gala, widely known as Chunwan. This year’s program once again drew widespread attention, particularly for its humanoid robot performances, which became one of the evening’s most talked-about highlights.

Beyond the televised gala, communities throughout China and overseas Chinese populations organized lantern festivals and large-scale light shows to celebrate the Lunar New Year, transforming city streets and public squares into luminous stages of color and festivity.

Humanoid robot performance during Lunar New Year’s Eve 2026. Video: CGTN

In a New Year message, President Xi Jinping acknowledged China’s steady progress across multiple sectors, including governance, cultural initiatives, ecological conservation and national defense. He emphasized that the anti-corruption campaign had yielded significant results, affirming that the achievements of the past year were the product of the collective efforts of the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups nationwide.

In Singapore, as well as in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, local communities adorned streets with festive decorations, hosted lantern festivals and staged cultural performances to mark the Lunar New Year.

Malaysia during the Lunar New Year. Video: X

In South Korea, people have begun traveling to their hometowns for the Lunar New Year holiday, which lasts through February 18. Weather forecasts this year are favorable for holiday travel and tourism activities.

Although Japan discontinued the official celebration of the Lunar New Year in 1873, certain areas with large Chinese communities continue to observe traditional lunar new year festivities.

Viet Dung