As the Lunar New Year approaches, thousands of Chinese nationals living in Pakistan are blending ancient customs with creative innovations to celebrate the Spring Festival. From virtual family reunions to cross-cultural events, these communities showcase resilience and cultural pride while building bridges with local residents.
In Islamabad, community centers buzz with activity as volunteers hang red lanterns and organize calligraphy workshops. 'We're combining WeChat video calls for ancestral rituals with Pakistani-style potluck dinners featuring biryani alongside dumplings,' says Li Wei, a project manager at a cultural exchange group.
Tech plays a crucial role: livestreamed temple fairs connect diaspora members across provinces, while e-commerce platforms deliver traditional ingredients like nian gao rice cakes to remote construction sites. Meanwhile, Mandarin-learning Pakistanis join Chinese colleagues in decorating workspaces with paper cuttings symbolizing bilateral cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com