In a beautiful celebration of linguistic heritage and cultural continuity, Handan City opened 2026 with a special event honoring the richness of Chinese language tradition. On January 7th, this ancient city—affectionately known as the "City of Chinese Idioms and Allusions"—unveiled "Jian Ding Bu Yi" (unwavering determination) as the 2025 Idiom of the Year, reflecting the resilient spirit that characterized the past year.

The selection process itself was a marvel of collaboration, bringing together cutting-edge technology and human wisdom. Chinaso partnered with prestigious institutions including the College of AI at Tsinghua University to analyze language patterns across the digital landscape. Using sophisticated big data technology and natural language processing, researchers identified idioms that resonated most deeply with people throughout 2025, drawing from news outlets, social media platforms, and online discussions both within China and internationally.

What makes this initiative particularly heartwarming is its democratic approach. Over 30 carefully selected idioms were presented to the public for voting, inviting people from around the world to participate in celebrating Chinese linguistic heritage. Expert scholars then provided thoughtful analysis of the cultural significance and contemporary relevance of each candidate, ensuring the final selection of ten idioms truly captured the spirit of our times.

The event marked another exciting milestone: the launch of the "Report on the Application and Dissemination of Chinese Idioms in the New Era" blue book. Professor Yao Xishuang from the Communication University of China explained that this comprehensive work combines data-driven insights with scholarly expertise, creating a valuable resource that bridges traditional wisdom with modern research methods.

Perhaps the most delightful aspect of the celebration was the inclusion of Melissa, an international student who starred in a charming bilingual short film called "Melissa's Journey into Chinese Idioms." Her adventure through Handan—a city with over 3,000 years of history and connections to more than 2,000 idioms—beautifully illustrates how cultural exchange enriches understanding and appreciation across borders.

Dressed in traditional Warring States robes, Melissa immersed herself in local culture, learning the Handan dance, practicing Tai Chi, enjoying an idiom-themed meal, and witnessing a spectacular drone light show featuring ancient idiom stories. The video's warm reception on international social platforms demonstrates the universal appeal of cultural storytelling and the growing global interest in Chinese language and traditions.

This celebration brings together scholars, community leaders, and culture enthusiasts, creating meaningful connections between generations and across geographical boundaries. It reminds us that ancient wisdom remains vibrantly relevant, offering guidance and inspiration for contemporary challenges.

As we embrace 2026, the selection of "unwavering determination" as the defining idiom of 2025 feels particularly appropriate—a testament to human resilience and the enduring power of language to unite, inspire, and preserve our shared cultural heritage for future generations.