The Yunnan was in the spotlight on New Year’s Eve in New York as Yunnan-styled performances took over the 2014 Times Square New Year’s Eve countdown.

Thanks to the Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA), Yunnan Culture, home to 46 million people and 25 ethnic groups, was showcased to over a million people in Times Square and  billions of people watching globally at home on Dec. 31, 2014. 

When the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball first rose on the Duffy Square Countdown Stage at 6 p.m. EST on December 31st, Chinese and American officials delivered greetings while singers and dancers from Yunnan showcased Yunnan-style songs and dances to the world.

Zhang, QiYue, Consul General of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in New York, Peter Zhang, President of the Sino-American Friendship Association, Duan, YueQing, Chairman of Yunnan Provincial Tourism Development Committee, and a New York City Representative were in attendance.

This was the first time an aspect of Chinese ethnic culture, featuring Yunnan Culture, was a part of the ball dropping celebration since it began in 1907. The traditional Peacock dance to “Peacock’s blessing” along with Yunnan local songs revealed Yunnan’s rich local culture and ethnic customs while presenting the beauty and diversity of the province called the ‘Tourism Paradise of the World.’

The beautiful Yunnan peacock dance and Yunnan folk song performance - “The Little Running River” - stunned the whole world.

Complimentary red scarves, symbolizing the friendship between the US and China, were distributed to those in attendance. The revelers also got to experience traditional Chinese music and performances.