Chinese New year in the Netherlands. [Photo/Roy Poots]

We launched a contest in February where we invited our readers to share their stories, photos and videos of the Chinese New Year. Since we called the competition Just Share It, we are now sharing the winning works and appreciate all those who submitted amazing works.

So in the spirit of the festival, here are the names of the winners of the Chinese New Year - Just Share It contest who will receive exciting gifts.

Sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and organized by Chinaculture.org, the event received much attention from all over the globe since its launch in early February. Over 1,200 domestic and overseas participants from 35 countries and regions such as the United States, Britain, Australia, Spain and Germany submitted their stories of the Spring Festival.

These original works included 387 essays, 621 photos and about 20 videos, most of which not only demonstrate the lively atmosphere of the Chinese New Year, but also explore the rich cultural connotations rooted in this Chinese festival.

Based on a grueling selection process and tough discussions by a panel of experts, as well as online votes, 27 winners have been awarded prizes. A hundred other participants have received honorable mention.

The Chinese New Year - Just Share It contest is associated with 'Happy Chinese New Year', a worldwide activity for celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival hosted by the Ministry of Culture of the PRC and other Chinese authorities. The contest invited Internet users from all over the world to tell their stories of the Spring Festival in essays, photos and videos through different platforms, including Chinaculture.org, China Daily Website's English BBS (Bulletin Board System) and Facebook.

The contest has set off a tide of discussion about the Chinese New Year and Chinese culture. Muhammad Abdullah from Pakistan said, Spring Festival is sometimes called Chinese New Year’ in English and that makes many think this festival belongs only to Chinese people, but I would like to shatter this perception. I believe this festival has become a festival of the whole world because it is now celebrated in almost all parts of the globe…

For more information about the contest, please click here. Follow Chinaculture.org on Facebook and learn more about Chinese culture.