Hundreds of millions people in New York and around the globe ushered in the New Year with Hong Kong on December 31, 2022 as the New York Times Square countdown celebration shone a spotlight on the city – “Fusion, Motion, Inspiration – Hong Kong Rocks!”.

Special guests on the Countdown opening stage wishing everyone happy New Year! (From right) President of Times Square Alliance, Tom Harris; President of the Sino-American Friendship Association, Peter Zhang; Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York, Huang, Ping; Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Candy Nip; Times Square New Year’s Eve Host, Jonathan Bennett; Countdown Opening co-host, Executive Vice President of the Sino-American Friendship Association, Li Li; Executive Director of Citywide Event Coordination and Management Office under New York Mayor’s Office, Dawn Tolson; and Director of Asian Affairs of New York State Governor's Office, Elaine Fan

Consul General Huang, Ping attended the celebration for the 4th time, and welcomed all friends from around the world to discover Hong Kong and other parts of China to experience the wonderful scenery and splendid culture.

Huang, Ping, Chinese Consul General in New York

addressing the crowd

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Ms Candy Nip, said Hong Kong was thrilled to be a part of this iconic event. “It is such a great way for us to show the world that Hong Kong is back on the international stage, and we are ready to welcome global visitors,” she said.

Ms. Candy Nip, Director of HKETO in New York, delivering a New Year's greeting from Hong Kong to the billions of viewers on site and in front of the TV

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and US Congresswoman Grace Meng sent congratulate letters to Hong Kong participation in the countdown opening ceremony. Governor Hochul noted, “New York’s strength comes from its diversity, including a vibrant Asian community that contributes to the culture and progress of the state and we are proud to be the home of 1.5 million Asian New Yorkers,” she added, “We will continue to cultivate strong bonds of mutual understanding and friendship”. Mayor Adams also applauded SAFA and HKETONY for their efforts to foster cross-cultural exchange and international trade and tourism between New York and Hong Kong.

Contemporary dance group TS Crew, world champion harmonica player CY Leo and erhu virtuoso Chan Pik-sum, enthralled the New York Times Square stage with a “Kung Fu Contemporary Circus” on New Year’s Eve. The audience erupted in rave applause at the blend of dance and kung fu against a medley of Chinese and Western classics, newly arranged by legendary jazz pianist and composer Ted Lo.

A perfect Hong Kong culture showcase: Hong Kong Rocks!

-- Hong Kong’s unique cultural and artistic performance

VIP guests and artists group photo on Countdown Stage:

Happy 2023 from Hong Kong

Hong Kong fashion doyenne Vivienne Tam has designed a limited-edition scarf, incorporating elements of Hong Kong and New Year, for the audience at Times Square. “Through this scarf, Hong Kong would like to send love and warmth to everyone!” said Ms Nip.

 

“2023 HK loves NY”- a limited-edition scarves

bring warmth to the audiences

The artists and designer were honored to be a part of this exciting project. Ms Nip was proud to see the team of Hong Kong talents “rocking” an international audience with the beauty and enchantment of the city. “They are the ambassadors for Hong Kong, who showcase the flair and artistry of our people while building friendship across cultures,” Ms Nip said.

After the opening celebration, Consul General Huang, Ping being interviewed and introducing Hong Kong

Consul General Huang, Ping and Director Candy Nip being interviewed

Director Candy Nip being interviewed

The Times Square Countdown Committee presenting Director Nip with a crystal piece using in the Crystal Ball engraved with "Hong Kong - New York -Friendship" as a special gift and

Director Nip giving a Hong Kong featured gift in return

Gift exchange between Consul General Huang, Ping and Times Square Countdown Committee

Countdown opening celebration broadcasting live on giant LED at One Times Square

Countdown opening celebration broadcasting live on the multiply giant LEDs in Times Square

Hong Kong featured video showcasing on the multiple giant LEDs in Times Square

In addition to the revelers gathered at Times Square, an estimated audience of over one billion worldwide enjoyed, through live television broadcast and webcast, the countdown performance of Hong Kong themed “Fusion, Motion, Inspirations - Hong Kong Rocks!”

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