Organization
Haiyang Xu has been chosen as the chairperson for the National Chinese New Year celebration of 2025. It promises to be, as always, a spectacular program that the team will organize on January 28th at the Zuidplein Theater, according to Tinyun Chen, General Secretary and right-hand of the chairperson. Guoxiu Xiong is head of General Affairs and further reports that a wonderful artistic group has been assembled from across the country for the performance at the Zuidplein Theater.
Board Committee for the National Chinese New Year Celebration 2025, the Year of the Snake (Spring Festival 2025)
The National celebration is funded by Chinese associations in the Netherlands and by Chinese and Dutch companies, institutions, and sponsors.
For the organization of the National Chinese New Year, the Committee of Hayan Xu works with the National Federation of Chinese Organizations (LFCON), the CCEN Foundation, Chinese associations in the Netherlands, and the Netherlands-China Association (VNC). The latter has existed for nearly 50 years and has been involved in organizing the National Chinese New Year since its inception in 2002. The VNC organizes meetings and activities in the Netherlands and China in collaboration with Dutch and Chinese governments, municipalities, provinces, and businesses.
The LFCON serves as the main representative organization for the Chinese in the Netherlands and the primary contact for the Dutch government.
Haiyan Xu
Chairperson of the Netherlands-China Economic and Trade Promotion Association (NCDAP)
Haiyan Xu was born in the city of Wenzhou, in the eastern province of Zhejiang, China. Wenzhou is a large city with about 10 million inhabitants. It has developed into one of China’s wealthiest cities. The people of Wenzhou are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and initiatives. After her studies, Haiyan moved to the Netherlands in 1988 and held various positions in trade and hospitality in the country. Hayan Xu gained recognition as a passionate and enthusiastic initiator of activities in the field of charity and public welfare. In January 2008, she joined the “Netherlands-China Economic and Trade Promotion Association” (NCDAP) and was elected Vice President. She was then chosen as Executive Vice President in 2012 and as Chairperson of the NCDAP on January 29, 2024.
Preparatory Conference in Utrecht for the 23rd Spring Festival
On December 23, 2024, a meeting was held in Utrecht as part of the establishment of the public celebration of the 23rd Spring Festival in 2025. The evening was initiated by the DCTEPA (Dutch China Economic and Trade Promotion Association), LEFCON, associations, and sponsors.
The conference was attended by more than 100 participants from Chinese and Dutch organizers, sponsors, and supporters. Chairperson Ms. Xu Haiyan gave a speech, addressing the significance of the Spring Festival gala and the changes that occurred in the past year. All Dutch Chinese New Year celebrations have been held in The Hague’s City Hall for 22 sessions since 2003.
She expressed her gratitude to the Chinese embassy in the Netherlands for its support and to the sponsors, co-sponsors, and partners. She hopes that all sectors in the Netherlands will work together to enhance the international status and influence of Chinese culture, promote the recognition and respect for diverse cultures and civilizations worldwide, foster the prosperity of world culture, and strengthen the friendship among people around us.
Counselor Mr. Li Guannan from the Chinese Embassy then emphasized the importance of the Chinese Spring Festival and the efforts of the organizers. He highly praised the solidarity and mutual assistance of all sectors of the population in the Netherlands for their contributions to continuing the Chinese Spring Festival and preserving Chinese traditional culture.
Mr. Cees van den Oosten, speaking on behalf of the Chinese Cultural Events Foundation Netherlands (CCEN), praised the profound and colorful Chinese culture. He emphasized that the snake is a wise animal and hopes that the Year of the Snake will bring wisdom into play, promote closer exchanges and cooperation between the Netherlands and China, and enrich cultural life.
Mr. Xie Zhuolin, Chief Designer, introduced the layout of the venue in detail and explained that the content of the event fully reflected the traditional culture of the Chinese Spring Festival. Ms. Guo Xiu Xiuong, Secretary-General, then elaborated on the logistical services and all associated activities.
Sponsors and supporters
