Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour, one hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host, Shane Bigham with you on this Thursday, January 30, 2025.
You're listening to a special Spring Festival edition of the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, Chinese New Year celebrations continue across the country with tourists from all over the world participating.
Spring Festival activities are also taking place in other parts of the world, from Moscow to New York City and beyond.
A mid air collision just miles from the White House between a passenger jet and a military helicopter has claimed many lives.
Israel and Hamas are preparing for another swap of prisoners for hostages.
In the second half of today's show, we present Greener A Journey to 2060, a special series exploring China's path towards sustainable development.
Now checking the day's top stories.
Chinese New Year celebrations are in full swing across the country to welcome the Year of the Snake.
In Huang Shi, dragon dances filled the streets, continuing a tradition of over 300 years.
In Shenyang, locals were gathering in a marketplace to perform a popular folk dance known as yanga.
People dressed up in colorful costumes and perform with props like waist drums and dancing fans.
To welcome the new year, food fairs are also held featuring local dishes such as Chinese sauerkraut and stewed chicken with mushrooms.
Other traditions include paper cutting, lion dance dances and lantern shows.
They're also underway across China.
Many foreigners are visiting China to experience the festive Spring Festival atmosphere firsthand.
Chinese Online travel service Trip.com says inbound travel orders from foreign tourists have surged by over 200% during the festival.
Sun yet has more from Beijing Capital International Airport.