By Liu Rui

As the Spring Festival approaches, the Global Spring Festival Shopping Fair at the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone (ZAEZ) is buzzing with festive atmosphere. Dr. John Kasarda recently visited the fair, where he immersed himself in the atmosphere, tried his hand at traditional sugar painting, and shared his thoughts on the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western celebrations of the holiday.

“This exhibition is absolutely remarkable! It not only features specialty products from Henan, with a fantastic display of delicacies, handicrafts and wines, but also gathers goods from all over the world,” Dr. Kasarda said excitedly during his tour. He was especially surprised to see a handcrafted Maybach on display — a luxury car that sells for $3.4 million in the United States. “From basic daily foods to the world's most expensive automobiles, all kinds of products are gathered here to exhibit for the people in central China. It's truly impressive,” he added.

Beyond admiring the wide range of exhibits, Dr. Kasarda took particular interest in sugar painting, a traditional Chinese folk art. Guided by a local intangible cultural heritage inheritor, he tried creating his own sugar painting and experienced the unique charm of this centuries-old craft firsthand.

“The ZAEZ is getting more and more lively with each passing Spring Festival. This fair attracts both Chinese and foreign merchants and tourists, blending local characteristics with global goods. It's a perfect embodiment of the festive spirit,” the inheritor said with a smile.

Dr. Kasarda emphasized that Chinese New Year has become a truly global celebration. “Nowadays, the Chinese New Year is well-known everywhere, not only in Asia but also in Europe and the United States,” he said. He pointed out that dragon dances, which is a classic Spring Festival tradition , are now a familiar sight in the U.S. during this time of year, and even foreigners with little knowledge of Chinese, including himself, often learn simple New Year greetings in Mandarin.

In Southeast Asia, where Dr. Kasarda has conducted extensive research and work, he noted that nearly 90 percent of major enterprises are run by Chinese descendants spanning the first to fourth generations. Many local companies even schedule their annual parties before Chinese New Year because the festival holds such significance in the region.

“Despite the political tensions in the world today, there is a feeling of warmth and friendship towards China in the West, especially in the United States,” he said, adding that this genuine goodwill has made the global spread of Chinese New Year traditions feel especially heartwarming.

Having visited China regularly since 2012, Dr. Kasarda has developed a deep affection for the country, its culture, and its people.“Every time I come here, I deeply appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people,” he said. He also loves the lively atmosphere of Chinese dining culture, where people chat, laugh, and toast together. “It's a vivid reflection of the vibrant life and unique cultural charm of China,” he said.

With the Spring Festival just around the corner, Dr. Kasarda offered warm New Year wishes to Chinese people all over the world: “I wish all Chinese people, whether they are on the Chinese mainland or anywhere in the world, a happy, healthy and prosperous Year of the Horse.”