Global celebration

This Chinese New Year brought a global twist.

It all started in mid-January when the potential TikTok ban in the United States sparked a wave of US social media users, humorously referred to as "TikTok refugees", flocking to China's lifestyle-sharing platform, Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote).

Within days, the platform saw a surge in users from the US and around the world.

At first, both Chinese and international users engaged by sharing fun cat photos and exploring each other's customs. The recent Spring Festival further boosted this cross-cultural exchange, offering a unique opportunity for people to celebrate together.

For example, international users followed tips from their Chinese friends on the platform, learning how to write couplets, make dumplings, prepare red envelopes, and watch the Spring Festival Gala.

They quickly picked up the order of the 12 zodiac animals and even learned that those born in the Year of the Snake should wear red underwear for good luck.

This year marked the first Chinese New Year since "Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional New Year" was inscribed on UNESCO's intangible heritage list on Dec 4.

The global celebration shared by internet users worldwide made this year particularly memorable.

"As much as we might call these overseas users 'TikTok refugees', it's more fitting to call them 'global villagers'," noted a recent commentary from People's Daily. "Instead of 'wandering', they've found a 'new home'."