Empire State Building shines for Chinese autumn festival

Zhang Qiyue (center, left), Chinese consul general in New York, and Anthony Malkin (center, right), CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, fl ip the switch in a lighting ceremony with representatives of local Chinese communities on Tuesday at the Empire State Building. Zhang Ruinan / China Daily

The most iconic landmark of New York City sparkled in red and gold in celebration of the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival on Oct 4.

"Tonight, the Empire State Building's world-famous tower lights will shine in red and gold, with colorful moons and lanterns in the mast to celebrate this joyous holiday," said Anthony Malkin, CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, at a lighting ceremony with Chinese Consul General Zhang Qiyue in the building's lobby on Fifth Avenue Tuesday morning.

The lighting scheme was designed by well-known production designer Marc Brickman, who did the lighting for the Barcelona and Nagano Olympics Ceremonies.

Zhang said it is the first time that the Empire State Building's lights would shine for the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.

"It's very meaningful," said Zhang, "because it shows that China's cultural influence has been steadily developing and China-US relations are becoming more and more important.

"Since the beginning of this year, China-US relations have retained a positive momentum," Zhang added.

"Both leaders have attached importance to the development of this relationship; President Xi and President Trump have already met twice this year," she said, "and President Trump is going to China next month. We hope through his first visit that our relations and cooperation will further develop."

Zhang also mentioned that China and the US have set up four-dialogue mechanisms, one of which is called social, cultural and people-to-people dialogue, which was launched earlier and concluded on the Sept 28.

"The two sides agreed to further develop the people-to-people relationship, and I think this lighting ceremony is part of that social and cultural dialogue," said Zhang.

She said the Mid-Autumn Festival was a time for family reunions and friends to gather. The moon is said to be at its brightest and fullest during the festival.

"The full moon is a symbol of harmony and in today's world we very much need that concept," said Zhang. "When there are red and gold lights on the Empire State Building, it will remind people of the importance of maintaining peace and harmony."

ruinanzhang@chinadailyusa.com