NEW YORK -- New York City's Times Square on Monday night embraced its first rainy New Year's Eve celebration in 24 years, with a traditional Chinese dragon dance kicking off the countdown at 6 pm (2300 GMT) in front of tens of thousands of revelers.

As a national intangible cultural heritage of China, the "Tongliang dragon dance" from Chongqing is originated from Tang Dynasty (907-923 AD). Eight performers from Southwest China's Chongqing held a 15-meter-long colorful and glistening dragon, hopping up and down at the center stage in the square to traditional Chinese folk music.

Though within limited space, the dragon danced with full vim and vigour, winning applause from the crowd.

Organized by the Sino-American Friendship Association and supported by the Chongqing municipal government, the dragon dance demonstrated the passion and hospitality of the mountain city , which invites global tourists to enjoy its breathtaking scenery such as the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River and to have a taste of the authentic hotpot.

Before the dance, the Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping sent out invitations to everyone in the square and those who were watching live broadcasts.

"Welcome to Chongqing! Welcome to China! Happy New Year," said the consul general in high spirit, who was greeted with loud cheers.