A local chef makes noodles during the temple fair held in Lusaka, Zambia, Jan. 24, 2016. The temple fair was held on Sunday to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Lusaka. [Xinhua/Peng Lijun]

The Zambian first lady said in remarks delivered at the start of the celebrations that the Spring Festival was an expression of the Chinese culture and that it was meant to connect Chinese residents in Zambia to their culture.

She said commemorating festivals helped nations keep their identities, culture and traditions intact, adding that the Spring Festival provided an opportunity for China to showcase its cultural heritage to other nationals.

"Festivals give us inspiration and help us remember important things in our lives, like family when we meet to celebrate with them and it unites us," she said.

For his part, the Chinese ambassador said the Spring Festival was meant to help people express gratitude for the previous year and welcome the new year.

Yang hailed the cordial bilateral ties that have existed between Zambia and China over the years, and expressed confidence that the bilateral ties will attain higher heights in the New Year, which is called "Year of the Monkey" in Chinese Zodiac.

The Chinese Spring Festival represents the beginning of the Chinese Lunar Year, which falls on Feb. 8 this year.