On the evening of February 13, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Edinburgh hosted the 2024 Chinese New Year reception at the Assembly Rooms in the city centre. Over 150 guests gathered together to share the joys of Chinese New Year.

Consul General Zhang Biao extended his warm New Year greetings to all, and briefed them the accomplishments China's development, China-Scotland exchange and cooperation in the previous year.

Zhang said in 2023, China's economy  ramped up continually, with the GDP reaching nearly 18 trillion US dollars. Electric passenger vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar panels became  "new three items" of China's exportation. China continued to open wider to the outside world. The Belt and Road Initiative, the China Import Expo, the International Fair for Trade in Services, the International Consumer Products Expo, and the International Supply Chain Expo have become important platforms for global exchange. To choose China is to choose opportunity. Zhang also hailed the People-to-People exchanges and pragmatical cooperation at all levels between China and Scotland are expected to jointly enhance mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation. He invited Scottish people to visit China, enjoying Chinese colorful cultures, scenery and food, as well as exploring business opportunities. 

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge of Edinburgh and Mr. Scott Wightman, Director of External Affairs of the Scottish Government made remarks respectively at the reception. They shared their joys and best wishes for the Chinese New Year, and highly valued the friendly exchange and mutually-beneficial cooperation with China, which they agreed to promote. Mr. Wightman emphasied China's important role in tackling climate change, promoting biodiversity conservation and achieving the "net zero" goal.

All guests enjoyed the Chinese intangible cultural heritage exhibition including silk figures, clay sculpture, hand-made windmill, cloud brocade, Song brocade, and Kesi silk as well as  the "Hello Beijing" photo exhibition on the scene, before they watched the splendid "Joyful Dragon for a Happy Chinese New Year" artistic performance brought by the Beijing Comprehensive Art Troupe with folk music, Beijing Opera, martial arts, dance, and other wonderful programs.