Across America

Positive attitude - New york

Two visitors from Florida speak about shredding "bad comments" and "poverty" for the hope of peace and wealth in 2017 on the annual Good Riddance Day, taking place on Wednesday in New York City's Times Square. The event was open to members of the public who wanted to shred any unpleasant, embarrassing or downright unwanted memories from 2016 to pave the way for a fresh start in 2017. Judy Zhu / For China Daily

Holiday greetings - Los Angeles

Liu Jian, Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, speaks at a celebration of the holiday season hosted by the Chinese American Federation on Dec 19. Provided to China Daily

Lighting the way - Reston, VA

A festival of lights staged at Roers Zoofari in Virginia by Hanart Culture from China runs from Christmas through the middle of January. Titled "The Wild", the displays include illuminated animal models made of traditional Chinese materials, such as ceramic and silk. Live performances of traditional Chinese music, dance, martial arts and craft-making were also offered. He Xinyi / For China Daily

Panda-vision - Atlanta

New born panda twins Ya Lun and Xi Lun at Zoo Atlanta have begun exploring the dayroom habitat with their mother Lun Lun and visitors may catch a glimpse of the trio in 2017, as Lun Lun has the option of bringing the twins into the new space between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm. Provided to China Daily

VIP meet - Houston

Consul General of China in Houston Li Qiangmin (right) meets with Congressman Al Green on Dec 21. Provided to China Daily

Best wishes - New york

Visitors gather in front of the New Year's Eve Wishing Wall at Times Square in New York City to include their wishes for 2017 on pieces of paper which will be added to the tons of confetti that will shower down at midnight onto the revelers in Times Square. Judy Zhu / For China Daily

Name that tune - New york

Zhang Meifang (fourth from left), Chinese deputy consul general in New York, sings Me and My Motherland with the staff of the press section of the consulate at a New Year's reception on Wednesday night. Hong Xiao / China Daily

(China Daily USA 12/30/2016 page13)