Saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new, with warmth touching hearts. To welcome the arrival of 2026 and promote the fine tradition of respecting, revering, and loving the elderly, the Dutch Chinese General Association held a “2026 New Year Welcome and Elderly Care Appreciation Gala” on the evening of January 12, 2026, at Wok De Mallejan in Utrecht. That evening, elders from the overseas Chinese community in the Netherlands, friends from all walks of life, and many Chinese living in the Netherlands gathered together, ushering in the new year and sharing camaraderie in a warm and pleasant atmosphere. The venue was decorated festively and warmly, with lights illuminating smiling faces, exuding a strong festive spirit.
The evening gala begins with a warm opening.
The gala was jointly hosted by Ms. Zhou Xuejiao and Mr. Pan Junjie. Mr. Pan Junjie, as a young generation born and raised in the Netherlands, served as a host for the first time, showcasing the vitality and youthful spirit of the new generation of overseas Chinese in the Netherlands. The two hosts had a natural stage presence and coordinated seamlessly, creating a pleasant and harmonious atmosphere for the entire gala with their warm and relaxed style.
Amidst enthusiastic applause, Mr. Hu Zhixing, Executive President of the Federation of Overseas Chinese in the Netherlands, took the stage to deliver a welcome address to the guests and officially kick off the evening's reunion event. The gathering of three generations—young, middle-aged, and elderly—symbolizes the inheritance and continuation of friendship within the overseas Chinese community.
Happy New Year, may our friendship remain connected.
Mr. Hu Guoqian, president of the Huaqiao Association in the Netherlands, extends his sincere New Year greetings to everyone. He thanks all elders and friends who have cared for and supported the development of the overseas Chinese community over the years, and sends warm Spring Festival blessings. President Hu stated that respecting and cherishing the elderly has always been a fine tradition upheld by the overseas Chinese community, and it is also an important bond that unites overseas Chinese and conveys warmth.
In addition, Secretary Huang Mengsha from the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands also extended New Year wishes to the guests, wishing everyone peace and prosperity, and a happy life in the new year.
Elderly care visit, warm and touching
The elder care and慰问 segment of the evening party was particularly heartwarming and touching. Mr. Pan Shibiao, Secretary-General of the General Association, came on stage and read out the list of care recipients one by one. Each name that was called carried respect and gratitude towards the elders.
Amidst the warm gazes of everyone present, the invited elders slowly ascended the stage in batches. With kind smiles, they accepted the carefully prepared慰问礼品 (consolation gifts) from the association and also received the sincere blessings from the overseas Chinese community.
Senior members who have dedicated many years to overseas Chinese associations were also presented with banners in appreciation of their long-term enthusiastic service and selfless contributions. The ceremony was brief yet solemn, with sincere and profound sentiments. Although the banners were light, they carried deep respect; taking photos together also documented this simple yet heartfelt camaraderie among overseas Chinese.
Artistic performances, a dazzling array of brilliance.
The cultural performances unfolded one after another in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. The Chinese Overseas Seniors Song and Dance Troupe started with the dance "Tibetan Birthday Song," full of enthusiasm and sending warm wishes.
Xiao Yi and Lico join forces to present the instrumental performance, "Golden Wind Jade Dew." The melody is elegant and melodious, like wind brushing against jade dew.
Hu Jianhua's performance of the Mulan Long Tassel Sword, "Mulan's Heroic Bearing," was a perfect blend of strength and grace, exuding full heroic spirit.
Yu Guilian sang "Whether You Come or Not, I'm Waiting for You" with deep emotion, winning rounds of applause from the audience.
Interactive games, laughter and joy
During the intermission, an interactive game of "Passing the Drum" was interspersed, hosted by Susan and Pan Peilei. They walked among the audience with the emcee, interacting warmly with the guests. They engaged in impromptu Q&A and offered blessings, with continuous laughter and applause creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
In the final round of the game, two lucky guests were awarded gift certificates sponsored by a generous enterprise, bringing the live atmosphere to another climax. Afterward, Zhong Shaoling, Dong Yue'er, Hu Lan, and Yao Xiaoyan presented a Qipao show titled "The Bund," which gracefully took the stage. They walked with poise and carried themselves with dignity, showcasing the unique elegance and charm of oriental women.
Mr. Huang Rongwei tenderly sang the classic song "Where is the Road?" The familiar melody resonated with the entire audience. The perseverance and hope flowing through his singing deeply moved the audience present.
The Chinese Overseas Seniors Dance and Song Troupe takes the stage again with the dance "You're in My Heart," conveying warm companionship through gentle and graceful movements.
Finally, Xiao Yi and Lico joined hands once again to perform "Tian Mi Mi," bringing the entire cultural performance to a gentle and perfect close.
A banquet to reminisce, and may our friendship last forever.
During the dinner reception, President Hu Guoqian raised his glass to offer his blessings to everyone, wishing all overseas Chinese good health, happy families, and smooth endeavors in the new year.
As the gala approached its end, all the hosts came on stage for a group photo. Zhou Xuejiao, Pan Junjie, Susan, and Pan Beilei stood side by side, capturing the warm evening in an image.
Afterward, all the cast and crew went on stage together for a group photo. The close collaboration and silent dedication from both the front and back of the stage laid a solid foundation for the successful staging of the evening's show, and this effort was also consolidated into this heartwarming moment of remembrance on stage.
The 2026 Chinese New Year greeting and elderly appreciation gala hosted by the Dutch Chinese Association successfully concluded in a warm atmosphere and with thunderous applause. This event provided an opportunity for overseas Chinese to gather and celebrate the Lunar New Year together, and through a variety of programs and interactive activities, it further united the hearts of the overseas Chinese community and deepened their friendships.
The successful holding of the evening party is inseparable from the enthusiastic participation of all guests, the meticulous preparation of the staff, and the brilliant performances of the artists. Here, we express our sincere gratitude to all friends from all walks of life who have made strenuous efforts for this evening party. Looking ahead to the new year, the Chinese Overseas Chinese Association in the Netherlands will continue to uphold the purpose of serving overseas Chinese and uniting and helping each other, and will work hand in hand with the vast number of overseas Chinese in the Netherlands to jointly build a more harmonious and beautiful home for the overseas Chinese community.
Written by:Secretariat of the Chinese in the Netherlands Association
Image source: Zhou Shanchuan, Afanti, Hu Bizheng
Edit:Zhang Chenlin Alex ZhangI made
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