Zambia–China Spring Festival Temple Fair Draws Hundreds in Lusaka
The 2026 Zambia Chinese Spring Festival Temple Fair was held at Levy Mall in Lusaka, bringing together nearly 1,000 guests to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Horse and deepen people-to-people ties between Zambia and China.
The event was co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Zambia and the Ministry of Tourism, and organised by the Zambian Chinese Association (ZCA) with support from Chinese enterprises, overseas Chinese communities and chambers of commerce.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Community Development and Social Services Doreen Mwamba, Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba, and UPND Deputy Secretary General Gertrude Imenda.
They were joined by Mr Wang Sheng, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, Mr Huang Yaochi, Executive President of the ZCA, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of Chinese enterprises and communities.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and Ambassador Han Jing, Mr Wang extended Spring Festival greetings to Chinese nationals in Zambia and Zambian friends. He highlighted strong high-level exchanges, growing political trust and steady progress in practical cooperation over the past year, noting the positive contribution of Chinese nationals to Zambia’s social and economic development.
He said 2026, marking the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, would present new opportunities for shared development under the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Vice President Nalumango, speaking on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema and the Zambian government, described the festival as an important platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning.
She said the symbolism of the horse—energy, confidence and vitality—reflected optimism for continued economic growth and stronger bilateral cooperation, reaffirming China as one of Zambia’s most reliable partners.
Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba announced plans to introduce additional policies to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges and pledged closer cooperation with China in organising cultural activities throughout 2026.
Mr Huang Yaochi said Chinese enterprises in Zambia would continue to comply with local laws, fulfil social responsibilities and contribute positively to bilateral relations.
The celebrations featured a colourful cultural gala showcasing performances from both countries, alongside food stalls, enterprise exhibitions and interactive cultural zones. Dragon dances, Chinese kung fu and traditional Zambian performances captivated audiences, while Chinese dumplings and Zambian nshima symbolised the blending of cultures.
The event received wide media coverage from international and local outlets, including Xinhua News Agency, CCTV, the Daily Mail and the Times of Zambia.
