Zhang Qiyue (L), the Chinese consul general in New York, poses with Anthony Malkin, owner of the Empire State Building in New York, Feb 17, 2015. [Photo/art.china.cn]

The show featured four chapters: Great Jubilance, the Return of Spring, Illumination of the Stars and the Moon, and Universal Celebration.

The fireworks could be seen in Midtown Manhattan and in New Jersey across the river, equaling the scale of the Fourth of July fireworks, and music was playing along via local radio stations.

Hundreds of spectators learned of the fireworks through social networks and media reports, and they gathered at the Hudson River, despite the frigid weather. They came layered in coats, scarves and gloves.

"The Indepdence Day Firework might be able to be viewed in more areas, but you couldn't see such a grand fireworks," Tian Mengxi, a Chinese woman who has been staying in New York for seven years. "It's the first time that I have ever seen fireworks around the Lunar New Year in New York."

"That was lovely," said Janna Lara, who arrived last Thursday from the US Virgin Islands. "I love fireworks."

The lighting and fireworks kicked off Fantastic Art China, including art exhibitions, creative bazaars and joint events with the New York Historical Society and New York Philharmonic. It is CAFA's first celebration of the Lunar New Year in New York and part of the global Chinese Happy New Year series endorsed by China's Ministry of Culture.

Unlike traditional celebrations, CAFA is presenting a more contemporary and Western representation of China's most important festival.

Lu Huiquan in New York contributed to this story. 

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