Chinese New Year celebrations delight other side of the Pacific

A FESTIVAL FOR CLOSER TIES

By celebrating the Chinese New Year together, people from both sides of the Pacific have deepened their understanding of each other's cultures and made the ties closer, officials have said.

"There is no better way than to celebrate the Chinese New Year through cultural exchanges," said David Whitaker, CEO of Choose Chicago, the official tourism organization for the city, on Tuesday as the city kick off Chinese New Year celebrations.

"The more we learn about China, the better we understand each other," Whitaker told Xinhua.

During a show titled "Charming Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei" featuring Chinese artists performing folk music, Tai Chi, Peking opera, acrobatic and martial arts, on Jan 25, Vice Mayor of Beverly Hills John Mirisch said his city enjoys a great relationship with China.

"We welcome the Chinese, and think sharing some of their interesting cultural experiences with American audiences right here in Beverly Hills makes us understand and appreciate each other more."

The Empire State Building's lighting of Lunar New Year serves as a symbol of friendship between the peoples of the United States and China, said Huang, the consul general.

After putting a Chinese couplet on the door of the governor's office at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson held a Chinese Lunar New Year reception at their mansion on Monday evening.

"I truly appreciate how the Asian American community has come from across the state to Jefferson City to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the Missouri State Capitol. We're excited to have this opportunity to share the diversity and cultural traditions of all Missouri," Parson said. "Rest assured that we will continue to lead the state with a noble vision and an open heart."