“The Ox ploughs fertile fields leaving behind abundance， the Tiger crosses green mountains bringing in happiness.” The Chinese New Year， also known as the Spring Festival， falls on February 1， 2022， as we bid farewell to the Year of the Ox and ring in the Year of the Tiger. To Chinese people across the world， the tiger is the king of animals， and throughout Chinese history， the tiger bears special cultural significance， a totem and a spiritual symbol of courage and bravery. In some Chinese dialects， the tiger （“hu” in pinyin） and fortune or happiness （“fu” in pinyin） are considered as homophones; tiger posters are hung and tiger-head hats， shoes and pillows are worn to drive away evil spirits. With luck and with courage， we hope the world will beat the COVID-19 pandemic in the Year of the Tiger.

The Chinese New Year is not only the most important festival for Chinese people; designated as official holidays in many countries and regions， it is fast becoming a common celebration for the entire globe. Wherever you are in the world， the festival is always there， radiating light， warmth and happiness.

Launched in 1986 near the West Lake in Hangzhou， capital city of Zhejiang province， the Cultural Dialogue magazine is now into its 36th year. We would like to express sincere thanks to you， our readers. We believe words have compassion and words have power. At the start of this lively and dynamic Year of the Tiger， the magazine will regale you with the customs and traditions of the Chinese New Year， the tales of life and the visions of future. We wish you a happy， healthy and prosperous Year of the Tiger！