Today, January 18, marks 75 years of diplomatic ties between China and Vietnam. The neighbors are commemorating this friendship with Lunar New Year festivities on its shared border in southwest China. Yang Jinghao reports from Yunnan Province.
A vibrant celebration featuring both Chinese and Vietnamese cultural elements; artists from both countries delighted guests with a variety of performances. In the border county of Hekou, southwest China, this annual event leading up to the Lunar New Year celebrations, has become a yearly highlight.
HU XIAOHONG Traditional Chinese Opera Artist "I hope we can have more cultural exchanges and interactions with our Vietnamese friends, where we can learn from and inspire each other. I also hope to bring Peking Opera to a wider audience in both China and Vietnam."
The Lunar New Year is among the most important celebrations in both China and Vietnam. Strolling along the streets of Hekou, you can see that festivities are already in full swing.
YANG JINGHAO Hekou County, Yunnan Province "A special market for Spring Festival goods has been set up here, showcasing a variety of specialty products from both countries."
CHU YANLAN Chinese Vendor "This is the nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage from Jianshui County: purple pottery."
LE DANG KHOA Vietnamese Vendor "We're here to introduce our distinctive coffee to the Chinese consumers."
VUI THI HOA Vietnamese Vendor "In Vietnam, many girls love wearing our traditional dress, the 'Ao Dai,' especially during the Lunar New Year. I hope the Chinese people will also come to appreciate our unique traditions."
China and Vietnam have maintained frequent exchanges. In 2024, the Hekou Entry-Exit Inspection Station processed approximately 5.7 million entries and exits, marking a 37 percent year-on-year increase.
China is Vietnam's largest trading partner, while Vietnam is China's largest trading partner in ASEAN.
NGUYEN THI MINH HIEN Vietnamese Entrepreneur "I hope that in the future, more Vietnamese products will be exported to China. As a business owner in Lao Cai, we are also working to build connections so that businesses across Vietnam can have more products available in the Chinese market."
YANG JINGHAO Hekou County, Yunnan Province "2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, as well as the Year of China-Vietnam People-to-People Exchanges. The cultural events held here in the border region set the stage for more extensive exchanges, paving the way for even closer ties between the two neighbors in the years to come. YJH, CGTN, Hekou County, Yunnan Province."