Forty-five Chinese performers and artisans from Zhejiang Province, along with Chinese Consul General Liu Jian, kicked off the Chinese New Year celebration at a California luxury shopping center.

Chinese artisans and performers sent by the Ministry of Culture to South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Orange County, performed folk dances and played Chinese musical instruments – the Erhu and Pipa – while demonstrations of clay sculpture, fan painting, wood cuts and bamboo weaving were held amid a display of festive lights.

Li Sha, director of foreign affairs with Zhejiang's Department of Culture, said the artists delegation has visited European and Asian countries, but this was their first US visit and performance. The delegation included eight artisans showcasing different forms of folk art, such as bamboo weaving from Dongyang City in Zhejiang.

Costa Mesa Mayor Jim Righeimer presented Liu with a certificate of recognition. He said Costa Mesa high schools have two Chinese-language courses which have been so well-received the number will be increased to five in the near future. At the same time, Costa Mesa seeks to establish a sister-city relationship with a city in China, he said.

Brian Peck, deputy director of international affairs for the state of California, recalled the recent meeting between California Governor Jerry Brown and Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying: "The economic and cultural ties between the State of California and China have been greatly expanded. This event plays a very important role and in deepening those ties."

Werner Escher, executive director of domestic and international markets, said: "We are happy to celebrate the Year of the Horse and welcome Ambassador Liu Jian, Consul-General of China to South Coast Plaza. Hosting the Ambassador and Zhejiang Cultural delegation elevates this year's opening ceremony and is the beginning of a wonderful cooperation."

Marketing Executive Director Debra Gunn Downing said "South Coast Plaza wants to celebrate and bring the significance of the Lunar New Year to Orange County. We wish all of our customers, local and visiting, good fortune, happiness and longevity."

For the fifth year, the American-Chinese CEO Society (ACCS) helped its member South Coast Plaza hold the party to celebrate the Chinese New Year. ACCS President Robert Sun said he believes this event brings Chinese communities and culture closer to the mainstream.

A 40-piece photography exhibit, Beautiful Zhejiang, will be on display for the New Year's celebration, South Coast Plaza said. "The exhibit is a modern look into the rich culture and history of a coastal area of China. Zhejiang Province has always been in the forefront of education, science and technology, and culture and art are also a key influence in Chinese literature, theatre, painting, calligraphy, and arts and crafts."