Images are on display at the Happy Chinese New Year - Celebrations Worldwide exhibition, which is open to the public at the National Art Museum of China, in Beijing, until Oct 9, 2016. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

More than 2,100 cultural events, organized by the Culture Ministry under its special program, "Happy Chinese New Year", were staged in 400 cities in 140 countries and regions in 2016, reaching over 250 million audience members worldwide to promote culture exchange and communication.

Focused on "Happiness, Harmony, Dialogue and Sharing", the New Year program has hosted various festive activities, including traditional temple fairs, Spring Festival galas, cultural and trade exhibitions and fireworks shows, among many others.