OFFLINE TO ONLINE

The pandemic has forced a rapid shift to life online while breaking through geographical boundaries, providing people worldwide an opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture and the Spring Festival.

On Saturday, vibrant celebrations -- including virtual performances, interactive activities and artist-led workshops -- were streamed by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery based in Washington, D.C., in partnership with the Chinese Embassy in the United States.

Normally held in person at the museum's courtyard, the event was moved online this year, but the audience "has been very responsive, very excited to see this program," Gloria Kenyon, senior public programs coordinator for the museum, told Xinhua in an interview.

The program started with a paper cut animation presented by the Cultural Office of the Chinese Embassy. "Folks can ask questions, and we respond to them (on Zoom) in real time, and we encourage them to bring their scissors, grab a piece of red paper ... (and) join along with us," Kenyon said.

In Europe, the Chinese New Year was welcomed by a train of online celebrations held by Chinese embassies, cultural centers and Chinese community groups.

The China Cultural Center in Paris is organizing a series of online celebratory events through to Feb. 26, including virtual exhibitions on Spring Festival traditions and Chinese zodiac designs, as well as an acrobatics performance on ice. An estimated 800,000 people in France are expected to follow the celebratory events broadcasted on various social media platforms.

In Sweden, the China Cultural Center in Stockholm is hosting a series of online activities with the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism over the next two weeks, presenting a variety of exhibitions, performances and interactive experiences.

The "China-Sweden Happy Chinese New Year Gala" is showcasing cultural performances involving Peking Opera, the Chinese musical instrument guqin, and traditional dance.