2. Spring Festival added to UNESCO Heritage List

Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional New Year, was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Dec 4.

Spring Festival, which marks the beginning of Chinese New Year, witnesses practices including wishing for good fortune, organizing family reunions and promoting social harmony. Such celebrations are known as guonian, or crossing the year.

The inclusion of this ancient heritage will actively promote dialogue and mutual respect among cultures, contributing more Chinese elements to the diversity of world cultures.

Spring Festival carries the common aspirations of the Chinese people, fosters their cultural creativity and provides a driving force for a better life.