Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On November 8th, the 697th Lady Mayor’s Show 2025 was held in the City of London. The Zhejiang Association of the UK (hereinafter referred to as “Zhejiang Association of the UK”) was the only invited British Chinese non-governmental organization to participate.
This year, Dame Susan Langley DBE, the first British Lady Mayor to officially assume the title of "Lady Mayor," officially took office. This year's show featured seven women-themed contingents, including the Zhejiang Association of the UK.
In the more than three-mile-long parade with over 7,000 participants, the Zhejiang Association of the UK contingent was number 31, with the theme “CELEBRATING WOMEN AND CULTURAL CONNECTION – Celebrating Women’s Power, Connecting Multiculturalism.” The procession brought a magnificent float named "Xi Shi" and a brightly decorated red London bus, accompanied by a hundred representatives showcasing the elegance and confidence of Eastern women, adding a unique cultural and artistic touch to the parade.
The procession's design theme was "Dragon Holding a Pearl," symbolizing the pearls of Zhuji, Zhejiang Province. It blended Eastern and Western aesthetics with Chinese poetry, representing the strength of women's resilience and wisdom, and conveying a shared hope for cultural exchange between China and the West.
At the forefront of the procession were six ladies in cheongsams, some holding Chinese calligraphy and painting scrolls, others wearing sashes and pearl jewelry bearing the words "Beautiful Zhuji" and "British Zhejiang Association." Behind them appeared a second formation full of childlike fun and cultural symbolism—two adorable pandas, two pearl-bearing seashells, and three graceful lotus flowers.
Following closely behind was the third contingent, showcasing the vibrant costumes of various ethnic groups in China. Their performance, accompanied by dance, embodied respect, inclusiveness, and diversity. The fourth contingent consisted of ethnic dance troupes, their graceful movements accompanied by melodious drumming.
The final float, the "Xi Shi" float, and a red bus became the focus of the entire parade. The "Xi Shi" float, themed "Connecting the World, Beautiful Zhuji," incorporated a "Xi Shi Washing Silk" dance performance with pearl embellishments, becoming one of the most eye-catching highlights of the parade.
This year's parade attracted over 100,000 spectators. The Mayor's motorcade departed from London City Hall, passed St. Paul's Cathedral, and finally arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice. Cheers and applause filled the air along the route, with the Zhejiang Association of the UK contingent winning acclaim for its unique cultural charm.
The Zhejiang Association of the UK stated that it hopes this grand event will allow the world to see the beauty and strength of Zhejiang, China, and also to let more people understand the positive contributions of overseas Chinese to British society. (End)
