A New Year countdown celebration is held at Shougang Park in Beijing, Dec. 31, 2024. [Photo by Chen Xinyan/China.org.cn]

Beijing welcomed 2025 with a celebration at Shougang Park's No. 4 Blast Furnace, a former industrial site.

The event featured light shows, live music, food stalls and intangible cultural heritage displays, blending tradition with technology.

The prelude featured an artistic performance in three parts: "Swallows of Spring: A Symphony of Beijing," "United in Heart: A Journey to Build Dreams," and "Hand in Hand: Welcoming the New Year." Traditional Beijing elements, including the Central Axis, Moshikou Street and Summer Palace, appeared during the performance.

Mayors from World Tourism City Federation member cities across five continents sent video greetings to the Beijing event.

"This year's celebration promises to be a vibrant showcase of Chinese culture and heritage with exciting programs and events," Edinburgh's Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said.

"Greetings to all the people of the People's Republic of China. I hope you enjoy this year, wishing you much success, prosperity and health," said Mario Durán, mayor of San Salvador Centro, El Salvador's capital.

As midnight approached, a countdown display on a big screen led the crowd in welcoming the New Year.

Celebrations took place simultaneously at Tianjin's Drum Tower Square and Hebei's Zhengding Ancient City, marking the 10th anniversary of the coordinated development strategy of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. 

In addition to the festivities, the city will offer more than 400 exhibitions and six museum-themed tour routes during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays.