The Chongqing Dragon makes its second appearance at the Times Square New Year’s celebration on December 31, 2018. (Photo: Yin Miao)
New York (People’s Daily) - As the countdown to the 2019 New Year began, Tongliang Dragon Dance from Southwest China's Chongqing made its second performance in New York City’s Times Square to ring in the new year Monday night.
Chongqing helps usher in the New Year in New York City on December 31, 2018. (Photo: Yin Miao)
With a long history of worshiping dragons, Chinese have turned the mythical creature into a national icon symbolizing good fortune and bright future.
As a national intangible cultural heritage, the "Tongliang Dragon Dance" is a product of the Tang Dynasty (907-923 AD).
Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration in New York City on December 31, 2018. (Photo: Yin Miao)
Organized by the Sino-American Friendship Association and supported by the Chongqing municipal government, Monday’s dragon dance demonstrated the passion and hospitality of the mountain city, which invites everyone tourists to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Three Gorges Dam, located on the Yangtze River, and taste authentic hotpot cuisine.
This year, as a partner city with the Times Square New Year's Eve Countdown celebration, Chongqing tuned the spotlight on its landscapes and cultural heritage.
Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration in New York City on December 31, 2018. (Photo: Yin Miao)
A colorful 15-meter long Tongliang Dragon jumped, rolled, and controlled by eight performers while Chinese folk music was played on the center stage.
China’s Consul General in New York City, Huang Ping, said that Chongqing has delivered Chinese culture to the Times Square for its New Year’s countdown, shared with people all over the world, a move that reflects China's opening-up.
Cold weather and rain did not prevent people from having a good time at the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration in New York City on December 31, 2018. (Photo: Yin Miao)
"China embraces and welcomes friends from all over the world to come and experience her culture," Huang said.
"Welcome to Chongqing! Welcome to China! Happy New Year," the consul general said in high spirits, who was greeted with loud cheers.
At midnight, people in the street welcomed the official start of the new year in New York City on January 1, 2019. (Photo: Yin Miao)
New York City’s Times Square on January 1, 2019. (Photo: Yin Miao)