From 12 to 13 February 2026, the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Bhutan Session was held in Thimphu. The event was jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy in India and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Bhutan, and organized by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism. Several members of the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Prime Minister, ministers of home affairs and foreign affairs, along with about 400 distinguished guests from various sectors attended the performances. Ambassador Xu Feihong was present and delivered remarks.

    At the opening of the first performance on February 12, Ambassador Xu Feihong extended New Year greetings for the Chinese Bingwu Year of the Horse and the Bhutanese Fire Horse Year in the Tibetan Calendar. He spoke positively of Bhutan’s achievements in practicing the Gross National Happiness philosophy and advancing innovative initiatives such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City. Ambassador Xu noted that China stands ready to deepen traditional friendship with Bhutan, expand exchanges and cooperation, and work together to achieve new accomplishments in the course of modernization. In his remarks, Mr. Sonam Wangyel, Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Bhutan, thanked the Chinese side for the New Year wishes, praised the high artistic standard of Chinese opera, and expressed hope for further strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.

    The Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Center presented “Three Triumphs over the Skeletal Demon,” a classic martial opera from Zhejiang traditional theatre renowned for its superb combat techniques. Featuring acrobatic flips, staff duels, rapid costume and mask changes, the performance vividly showcased distinctive operatic skills while conveying cultural themes of discerning truth from falsehood and upholding justice. The dynamic staging and climactic sequences earned resounding applause from the Bhutanese audience.

    Following the premiere, Ambassador Xu Feihong hosted a reception which was attended by representatives from Bhutanese government and various sectors, where guests celebrated the Year of the Horse together and exchanged warm wishes for continued China–Bhutan friendship.