On January 25th, as the Chinese New Year of 2025 approached, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Philadelphia held a celebration for the Chinese New Year. The dance and music performances in the auditorium attracted audiences from both Eastern and Western cultures, with constant cheers filling the air. Many Western families brought their young children to immerse themselves in and learn about Chinese culture.
Renowned for his exceptional skills, Guo Yazhi, a wind musician from Boston, performed with the suona and hulusi, creating a festive atmosphere that resonated with the audience, earning him enthusiastic applause. Junli Zhang from New York dressed in traditional attire and performed the art of “face-changing,” receiving rousing cheers from the crowd.
The third-floor Asian exhibition hall showcased a variety of Chinese handicrafts in different styles, as well as Chinese paintings, couplets written in calligraphy, creating a lively scene for visitors.
One Western attendee, Louis, proudly held his Chinese name written in calligraphy and expressed his admiration for Chinese culture. He mentioned attending the Shen Yun performance with his wife a few years ago and praised its beauty. This was his second time participating in the University of Pennsylvania’s Chinese New Year celebration. His wife was born in the United States to Chinese parents. Additionally, many Chinese students from the mainland who are studying at the University of Pennsylvania also attended the event, expressing their joy in celebrating a Chinese festival in the United States.
The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, founded in 1887, boasts a rich history of 138 years and is recognized as the largest university museum in the United States.