As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games draw closer, the Beijing Olympic Museum has launched a unique cultural initiative merging Olympic spirit with Lunar New Year traditions. Running through February, the program invites visitors to create traditional crafts like woodblock prints and stone rubbings infused with Olympic motifs and festive blessings.
"This year’s activities celebrate both global athletic unity and our cultural roots," explained museum curator Li Wei. Participants carve snowflake patterns into wooden blocks for printing and design red lanterns featuring winter sports icons, symbolizing the dual themes of competition and renewal.
The timing aligns with heightened regional interest in winter sports following China’s successful 2022 Winter Olympics, while catering to families seeking meaningful Lunar New Year experiences. South Korean tourist Ji-hoon Park remarked: "Making a panda-shaped Olympic medal print with my daughter bridges generations and cultures."
With over 15,000 visitors in its first week, the exhibition underscores Asia’s growing role in shaping global cultural narratives. Academics highlight its value in preserving intangible heritage while adapting it to contemporary themes.
