Countdown to 2012 at Times Square

Updated:2012-01-01 08:32

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Times Square has been attracting worldwide attention on New Year's Eve for 107 years. Viewers from all around the world gather here to watch the iconic-lighted ball to descend 70 feet in 60 seconds along with a 60-second countdown.

A lion dance performance presented by the Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA) kicked off the countdown party at 6pm, Dec 31, 2011. SAFA President Peter Zhang and Executive Vice-President Li Li were joined by Chinese Deputy Consul-General in New York Zhu Wanjin, to participate in the eye-dotting ceremony that awakens the spirit of the Lion prior to the start of the Lion Dance.

The countdown party will also feature pop artists including Cee Lo Green, Lady Gaga and Pitbull.

Photos by Sun Peng