AAPI
Detroit China Day 2025-- the 9th Chinese American Culture & Arts Festival Celebrates Culture, Community, and Unity
Detroit, MI — December 12,2025— Nearly 500 people from across Metro Detroit and beyond gathered at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on Friday afternoon for Detroit China Day 2025— the 9th Chinese American Culture & Arts Festival, a dynamic and widely praised celebration of culture, community, and unity. Attendees described the event as “truly spectacular,” highlighting its vibrant programming, inclusive spirit, and meaningful cross-cultural engagement.
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Held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Erma L. Henderson Auditorium and Atrium, the festival brought together residents from diverse ethnic backgrounds to celebrate Chinese American heritage while strengthening community connections throughout the city.
The event opened with Atrium Cultural Activities, inviting guests to experience Chinese arts up close. Highlights included a Chinese calligraphy demonstration by Tracy Cui, a Detroit Chinatown historical display presented by the Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee, traditional Chinese instrument performances by Lingyan Yan, and live painting and art exhibitions by Longlong School of Art. These interactive experiences set an engaging and welcoming tone for the afternoon.
The main program was hosted by CBS Detroit host & producer, 13 times Emmy Award winner Carol Cain, who served as Master of Ceremonies.
Welcome remarks were delivered by Detroit City Council Member Coleman A. Young II, with a video message from Detroit Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield, both emphasizing Detroit’s pride in its diverse communities and cultural heritage.
Organizers and partners shared remarks underscoring the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration. Mika McCaskill, speaking on behalf of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission and the Office of Global Michigan, presented Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s congratulatory letter for the event.
Additional remarks were offered by Robert Turfe, Vice Chairman of 1World1Mission; Wojciech Zolnowski, Executive Director of the International Institute of Metro Detroit; and Lisa Gray, Chair of the North American Chinese Coalition and Founder of Dragon Eagle TV-APIA News Network.
Lisa Gray was honored to receive a letter of recognition from U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin for her lifelong service to the community.
The festival received strong support from elected officials. Video messages were shared by U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.
The chair of the Michigan republican party, Senator Jim Runestad, Senator Sam Singh, Representative Mike McFall.
Warren Mayor Lori Stone, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.
In-person remarks were delivered by Senator Stephanie Chang, Senator Rosemary Bayer, Representative Sharon MacDonell, and Senator Dayna Polehanki.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ representative Alec Hughes and Senator Stephanie Chang presented a certificate and tribute recognizing the contributions of Chinese Americans, while also congratulating the success of Detroit China Day & the 9th Chinese American Culture & Arts Festival.
A key highlight of the afternoon was a one-on-one conversation between Carol Cain and The Honorable Wang Baodong, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago. Their discussion emphasized people-to-people connections, cultural exchange, and the role of local communities in strengthening mutual understanding.
The program also featured a timely panel discussion, "Detroit Chinatown — Honoring the Past, Imagining the Future,” moderated by Mika McCaskill. Panelists Senator Stephanie Chang and Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee members Francis Grunow, Lisa Yee-Litzenberg, and Leslie Tom reflected on the history of Detroit’s Chinatown and shared ideas for preservation, revitalization, and future community engagement.
The Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee was honored to receive certificate of congratulations from Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin in recognition of their outstanding contributions at the Detroit China Day.
The afternoon concluded with an energetic Cultural Showcase, hosted by actress, singer, and cultural host Elyse Ribbons. Performances included an East–West fusion of rock music and Chinese Xiqu, a traditional tea art ceremony by Elyse Ribbons
Chinese folk dance by the New Century Dance Troupe
Chinese martial arts demonstrations by Alice Yin
long silk dance by Thomas Davis,
children’s art and fashion show by Longlong School of Art,
Qipao performance by the ACA Qipao Team,
Tai Chi demonstration by the Michigan Tai Chi Center,
Fashion extravaganza showcasing Chinese attire from ancient history to modern times by Dragon Eagle TV Performing Arts Center and the New Century Choir & Dance Troupe
The event concluded with a Closing Ceremony recognizing community partners and volunteers, celebrating the collective spirit of the day.
Now in its ninth year, the festival continues to grow as a signature cultural event for the city—one that not only honors Chinese American heritage but also brings people together across cultures. The success of the 2025 Detroit China Day reaffirmed Detroit’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the power of culture to unite communities.
Community Feedback Highlights
“This was truly a spectacular event. It brought people together in a way that felt meaningful, inclusive, and inspiring.”
“Seeing so many cultures represented while honoring Chinese American history made this celebration feel both powerful and welcoming.”
“The program was well-organized, educational, and uplifting. Events like this strengthen Detroit’s sense of unity and shared future.”
“Detroit China Day created a space where culture, history, and community came together beautifully.”
Detroit China Day 2025 was presented by 1World1Mission, Office of Immigrant Affairs of City Detroit, Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, Office of Global Michigan, Noth American Chinese Coalition-Michigan Alliance of Chinese American Organizations, Chinese Association of Greater Detroit, International Institute of Metro Detroit, APIA News Network - Dragon Eagle TV, in partnership with United Chinese Americans, Midwest Chinese American Association, Association Chinese American, Chinese School Association in Michigan, Detroit Chinese Business Association, Detroit Chinese Engineers Association, Greater Lansing Chinese Association, Chinese Association of West Michigan, North American Chinese Society of engineer association, North American Association of Chinese Propulsion System Engineers, Islamic Center of Detroit, Council of Asian Pacific American, Brother Always Together and many more.
Sponsored by Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, UCA Community Foundation, Midwest Chinese American Association, Fuyao Glass America, ProMax Engineer.
