The 2019 "Happy Chinese New Year, Charming Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei" gala was unveiled at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, California, on the evening of Jan. 25. The performance opened with a fan dance presented by the Beijing Dance Group.
The celebration was jointly organized by the press offices of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province, in association with the Chinese Consulate-General in Los Angeles and the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau.
The event was attended by Zhang Ping, consul general of China in Los Angeles, John Mirisch, vice mayor of Beverly Hills, Julie Wagner, CEO of Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, and about 500 people from financial, tourism, and cultural institutions and corporate leaders.
A number of dazzling performances were staged one after another, such as the Peking Opera "Drunken Beauty" which allowed the audience to appreciate the classic Chinese quintessence, "Ode to the Pear Tree" and "Edelweiss" which perfectly blended traditional Chinese Peking Opera singing with Western modern singing, the martial arts show "Soul of Chinese Kongfu," and the acrobatic feat "Pedaling Umbrellas."
Audience marveled at the beauty of martial arts performance, folk music, and Beijing Opera costumes, filling the theater with warm applause.
The gala included a wine reception, a cultural heritage crafts display, a "Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei" photo exhibition, an opening ceremony, and a variety show.
During the event, an activity with the theme of the 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games caught the eyes of many guests with photos, videos, and handouts.
This event marks the 5th annual Chinese New Year celebration in Beverly Hills hosted by the press office of the Beijing municipal government. In the past years, the celebration received wide acclaim in this city and increased its influence and popularity.
In 2018, the event was renamed "Happy Chinese New Year, Charming Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei," featuring Chinese artists from the region to bring American audiences the Spring Festival culture and the latest development in these areas.
A second gala for local residents took place at the Saban Theater on Jan. 26.
