On Nov. 23, Consul General Gao Zhansheng was invited as an honored guest for 2012 Global Winter Wonderland's Grand Opening in California's Great America The Park. Zigong Deputy Mayor Chen Jiming, Assemblymember Pau Fong, Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews, Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves, Mountain View Mayor Michael Kasperzak, Great America's General Manager Raul Rehnborg, President of International Cultural Exchange Group Lulu Huang attended the ceremony.

Consul General Gao Zhansheng expressed his congratulations to the Grand Opening

Consul General Gao said he was very glad to learn that the festival, with bigger scale and more attractions, moves from outside parking lot to inside the park and has an overall expansion. It will certainly become one of the most popular highlight events and bring more intensely festive mood in the coming Christmas and Chinese Spring Festival season. As a bridge of mind, nothing brings people together better than culture, and culture will become increasingly important in China-US relationship in the years ahead. In past years, through concerted efforts of both China and US, people-to-people cultural exchange has focused on wide-ranging cooperation and reached a new height. All these events served as a window for the American and Chinese people to appreciate each other's brilliant and authentic culture and arts, and would continuously enhance our two peoples' mutual understanding and friendship.

Deputy Mayor of Zigong Chen Jiming gave his remarks              Assemblymember Paul Fong awarded commendation

                                                                                                   to International Cultural Exchange Group

Mountain View Mayor Michael Kasperzak declared the grand opening day as the Chinese Lantern Day of Mountain View city. Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews and Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves welcomed the Global Wonter Wonderland to settle in San Francisco Bay Area once again and believed the festival would bring new energy and vitality to the local multicultural community.

Consul General Gao and other honored dignitaries launched the huge Christmas tree lantern lighting ceremony

Consul General Gao and other honored dignitaries launched the huge Christmas tree lantern lighting ceremony. A succedent community led parade and fantastic multicultural performances opened the festival to all attendees.

Some local Chinese and American medias reported the opening ceremony.