China rang in the new year in style with festivities across multiple cities. Lights, colors and balloons were common themes across celebrations as Chinese people warmly welcomed 2026. Tourism has seen a huge surge in the past few days, a prelude to the even bigger one that awaits the Spring Festival in a few weeks' time. Our editor Bhargab Sarmah briefly sums up the New Year celebrations. #ChinaSeen | CGTN

A New Year countdown was held on December 31 at Big Air Shougang, the main venue of the New Year's Eve celebrations in Shougang Park in Beijing. Crowds gathered to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026. Iconic landmarks were illuminated, and people experienced a New Year’s Eve that blended fashion, technology, culture, and sports beneath dazzling industrial-style lighting. | Global Times