Chinese cultural festival in Hawaii attracts thousands

People pose for photos wearing traditional Chinese costumes at the "Splendor of China 2013", the 11th annual cultural and trade festival in Honolulu, Nov 2, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

HONOLULU - More than 10,000 Hawaiians flocked to a festival here during the weekend for a taste of Chinese food, jewelry and art and handicraft.

Splendor of China 2013, the 11th annual cultural and trade festival, opened Saturday and drew nearly 150 vendors.

The two-day event, organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, was aimed at promoting Chinese cultural heritage to the local community.

"It is a good time for citizens in Hawaii to get a glimpse of what China is like," chamber President Betty Hoang Brow told Xinhua.

Kirk Caldewell, mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, said the festival is a sharing of culture, which is important to the city since many generations of Chinese have lived here.

"China is such an important part of our global community today that having a better understanding just helps foster a better and clearer communication," he said.

At the festival, Xinhua set up a gallery of 30 historical photos showing China's educational development since 1949.

The event also kicked off the 65th Narcissus Festival, a celebration with a queen pageant, which ushers in the Chinese New Year.

Since 2003, Splendor of China has become a popular annual event in Honolulu.