By Chen Miaolin
The year 2024 passed by in the blink of an eye. Over the past year, Hangzhou achieved significant breakthroughs in international communication, showcasing its strength and charm as a global metropolis.
In the Globalization and World Cities Network (GaWC) ranking, Hangzhou rose to 65th place globally, entering the Beta+ category--a testament to its growing status in the global urban system. According to the China City International Communication Influence Index Report (2024), Hangzhou ranked third among Chinese cities for international communication influence, underscoring its competitiveness in this domain.
Hangzhou has been named one of the “Most Attractive Chinese Cities in the Eyes of Foreign Talents” for 14 consecutive years, ranking third in 2024 and staying in the top five for six consecutive years.
Regarding international sports events, Hangzhou established itself as an “International Event City”, hosting several top global competitions such as the 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Hangzhou Super Cup, the 2024 BWF World Tour Finals, and the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.
Moreover, Hangzhou hosted prominent international conferences including the 2024 World Intellectual Property Conference, the Liangzhu Forum, the 7th Hangzhou International Day, the Global Mayors Dialogue · Hangzhou, and the 9th Hangzhou International Sister City
Mayors Conference, further elevating its global visibility.
As we reflect on these achievements, it’s equally important to celebrate the creativity and vibrance that define Hangzhou’s spirit.
Lucie Loosová, a Czech artist residing in Hangzhou for two years, created the artwork Happy Snake of Endless Love, Joy, and Possibilities, a special edition of her Happy Birds series for Hangzhoufeel readers. She expressed her joy and wishes, saying:
“The future is like an enchanting story, waiting to unfold with surprises and possibilities! As we step into this Year of the Snake, let its wisdom guide us to trust our intuition and nurture the brilliance of our intelligence. I wish you a heart full of joy, a face lit with bright smiles, and a life overflowing with love and laughter. May each day greet you with good health, warm hugs, and countless reasons to celebrate. Let’s make 2025 a beautiful adventure together!”
“All the elements I chose to decorate this snake have a deep meaning and honorable place in Chinese culture. When you see them, you will immediately understand. The combination of the elements on my drawing should express my wishes to you all: never-ending love, health, friendship, prosperity, and joy, which will fulfill your lives all year long.”
Hangzhoufeel extends its warmest Chinese New Year greetings to all the readers. May the Year of the Snake bring endless opportunities, happiness, and a life filled with love and laughter.
About the artist
Lucie Loosová is a Czech artist and designer specializing in theater stage and costume design (Ph.D. holder from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, 2008). She has extensive experience as a theater stage and costume designer in Prague and beyond. Since 1999, she has taught theater theory and practice at various universities in Prague and the US, especially in LA and Chicago.
In 2014, Lucie moved with her family to Shanghai, where she began learning Chinese ink painting at the Hong Hong Art Institute under the guidance of Chinese painter Zhou Weiping. She currently resides in Hangzhou.
Years ago, Lucie started sketching her journey from Czech to China through daily drawings of lovely birds, blending Chinese calligraphy and Western painting techniques. She has dedicated herself to portraying enchanting feathered creatures daily, bringing happiness, joy, and smiles to everyone.