Switzerland Tourism releases creative video ahead of Chinese New Year

Switzerland Tourism unveiled a creative promotional video on Tuesday to extend greetings to the Chinese people ahead of the Chinese New Year and a warm invitation to visit the country.

The video, titled "Gallop to Switzerland!", blends traditional Chinese New Year elements with the country's iconic landscapes and transportation systems.

In the video, lanterns, paper-cut window decorations, Spring Festival couplets and Chinese knots, all symbols of good fortune and renewal, are placed by two actresses across well-known Swiss destinations such as snow-draped Zermatt, the Jungfrau region, Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis, as well as iconic train rides on the Bernina and Glacier Express routes.

Daniela Chiani, director for Greater China at Switzerland Tourism, said at a promotional event in Beijing that the horse symbolizes diligence and ambition in Chinese culture, while in Switzerland it represents courage and exploration.

In 2026, Switzerland Tourism will continue to explore the Chinese market, drawing inspiration from the spirit of the horse in its promotional efforts and partnerships, she added.

Felix Schwendimann, counselor as well as head of Culture and Media Section at the Swiss embassy in China, said that through this creative and funny video, Switzerland hopes to give Chinese people an insight into the unique charm of the country while conveying the country's spirit of hospitality and openness.

Switzerland looks forward to welcoming more Chinese travelers, he said.

He also emphasized that tourism plays an important role in bringing the two nations closer together.

"Visiting a country means more than just seeing its landscapes or sites, it is about getting to know its culture, lifestyle and people," he added.

Chinese tourists recorded about 1.071 million overnight stays in Switzerland from January to October last year, marking a 5.3 percent increase compared with the same period in 2024, according to media reports.