Happy Chinese New Year Auspicious Horse Painted Tram Debuts in The Hague

As the Chinese New Year of the Horse approaches, on February 2, the 2026 "Happy Chinese New Year" themed painted tram, launched by the China Cultural Center in The Hague in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague, officially entered service. This marks the third consecutive year that the two sides have joined hands, using the moving tram as a carrier to convey the warm wishes and cultural charm of the Chinese New Year to the citizens of The Hague.

This year's themed tram features the "horse," a symbol of vitality and progress, as its core design element. The body is painted in bright Chinese red, adorned with "Happy Chinese New Year" auspicious horse patterns, New Year greetings for the Year of the Horse, and the "Nihao! China" logo. Both sides of the tram also showcase wonderful photographs taken by Mr. Tom Lops, a dedicated audience member of the China Cultural Center in The Hague and a senior Dutch tour leader, during his multiple visits to China last year. From magnificent natural landscapes to rich humanistic customs, from the modern look of cities to the tranquility and simplicity of villages, these vivid scenes present a real, colorful, and friendly China to the people of The Hague.

This tram, filled with the joy of the Spring Festival and cultural integration, will run on The Hague's most important Line 1 for the next month. It travels from Scheveningen Beach, passing city landmarks such as the City Hall, the House of Representatives, and the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery, before reaching the historic city of Delft. Like a moving festive landscape, it spreads the jubilant atmosphere of the Chinese New Year to every passenger and citizen along the route.

In addition, on February 13, Mr. Tom Lops will personally lead nearly 20 Dutch friends who love Chinese culture to take this themed tram and experience the "Chinese New Year on the Tram." At that time, the carriage will be filled with the laughter and joy of the Spring Festival. Participants will not only feel the strong festive atmosphere inside and outside the tram but also listen to Mr. Lops share his experiences and touching stories from his travels in China, welcoming the Lunar New Year in advance as the wheels roll forward.

Wang Zheng, Director of the China Cultural Center in The Hague, stated: "The Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival for the Chinese people, carrying the common aspiration for reunion, harmony, and happiness. We are delighted to cooperate with the Municipality of The Hague for the third consecutive year, making the Spring Festival tram a familiar New Year symbol for the citizens of The Hague. This year coincides with the Year of the Horse, which symbolizes forging ahead with momentum and striving for excellence. We also hope that through such activities, we can continue to promote mutual understanding and emotional resonance between Chinese and Dutch cultures."