ZHAO Liying Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Calgary
EDMONTON — Dignitaries from across Alberta gathered Friday night as the Chinese Consulate General in Calgary hosted a Spring Festival celebration in Edmonton. Culture, artistry and hospitality were at the heart of the evening, reflecting Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and the Consulate’s care in welcoming its guests.
Held ahead of the Chinese Spring Festival, which begins Feb. 15, and the Lunar New Year, which starts Feb. 17 with the Year of the Horse, the event offered an immersive and delightful cultural experience that blended performance, symbolism and tradition.
Madame Zhao Liying, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Calgary, welcomed guests from government, business and community organizations to an evening that featured polished dance performances, expressive Chinese opera singing and a Tai Chi demonstration that highlighted balance, discipline and harmony.
The program was met with a warm reception from attendees, with performances showcasing the richness and diversity of Chinese cultural traditions and reflecting the Consulate’s attention to creating an atmosphere of celebration, respect and shared experience.
In her remarks, Zhao framed the holiday as a moment of reflection and renewal.
Chinese dancers delight audience at Chinese Consulate Spring Festival, Edmonton
“As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, this is a fitting moment to reflect on the year just past,” she told the audience.
Zhao highlighted China’s economic and scientific development while emphasizing stability in a challenging global environment.
“Even in a complex international environment, with slow global economic recovery and serious disruptions to trade and economic order, China has achieved a series of impressive results,” she said. “These accomplishments reflect the resilience and vitality of China’s economy and its positive long-term development trajectory.”
The celebration came as Canada and China signal renewed engagement between China and Canada, a development Zhao addressed directly.
“The past year has also been pivotal for the improvement of China Canada relations,” she said, noting recent bilateral milestones and exchanges.
The ballroom at Edmonton’s Chateau Lacombe was transformed with traditional Spring Festival decor, including red lanterns, intricate calligraphy and carefully arranged displays, complemented by horse themed elements recognizing the 2026 zodiac year. The setting reinforced the cultural significance of the holiday while creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere for guests.
“In 2026, we embrace the Year of the Horse,” Zhao said. “Known for its endurance and determination, the horse embodies the spirit of diligence, resilience and courage in face of challenges.”
Among those attending was Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, as well as Tany Yao, MLA for Fort McMurray–Wood Buffalo.
The gathering followed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to Beijing. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney met with Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese leaders, and the two sides issued a joint statement outlining pillars of a renewed strategic partnership. The statement said Canada and China would pursue cooperation in areas including energy and clean technology, agri food trade, cultural exchanges and public safety, alongside efforts to address trade barriers and expand two way investment.
At the conclusion of the evening, guests received gift packages from the Chinese Consulate General serving Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. The packages contained traditional items and Lunar New Year decorations, a gesture that many attendees noted as a thoughtful extension of the evening’s emphasis on generosity, goodwill and cultural exchange.
A separate Chinese New Year Banquet Gala, unaffiliated with the consulate, is scheduled to take place March 1 at MacDonald Island in Fort McMurray.
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