American International School of Guangzhou Celebrates Chinese New Year

The American International School of Guangzhou (AISG) celebrated the Chinese New Year, welcoming the Year of the Horse, on February 13, 2026, with its annual Chinese Culture Day. The campus-wide event brought together students, teachers, and families from both the elementary and secondary divisions.

A Day of Tradition and Cultural Immersion

The celebration began with elementary students and their families hanging blessings on a cherry blossom tree, symbolizing good fortune for the year ahead. A high-energy dragon and lion dance, performed by Grade 5 students trained by professional Cantonese instructors, opened the stage performances. Teachers showcased their language skills by offering New Year wishes and sharing idioms in Cantonese.

Celebrating China’s Diversity: The 56 Ethnic Groups

This year’s theme, “The 56 Ethnic Groups of China,” was central to the day’s activities. Performances included a pipa rendition of a dance song from the Yi ethnic group, a puppet reveal retelling the legend of Yang Jian (likewise known as the great god Erlang), and choral performances of the folk songs “Pomegranate Seeds” and “Jasmine Flower.” A costume showcase highlighted the traditional dress of various ethnic communities across China, emphasizing the country’s rich cultural diversity. The appearance of the God of Fortune, distributing hongbao (lucky money), was met with enthusiastic cheers from students.

Cultural Fair and Student-Led Activities

The gymnasium was transformed into a cultural fair, with caregiver volunteers leading booths offering activities like bamboo weaving, Cantonese embroidery, paper cutting, woodblock New Year printmaking, and lantern crafting. Secondary students organized their own Chinese New Year festival, featuring booths dedicated to calligraphy, lantern decorating, and cultural exchange activities exploring Chinese traditions and customs in neighboring Asian cultures.

AISG’s Commitment to Cultural Understanding

AISG’s Chinese Culture Day aims to provide students with an authentic and immersive experience of Chinese heritage, fostering appreciation and understanding of local culture within its diverse and compassionate community.

Reporter | Chen Siyuan

Photo | AISG