ANKARA 

Chinese people around the world widely celebrated their New Year on Sunday amid another tide of coronavirus pandemic gripping the world's largest populated country.

Celebrations to mark the event were reported from Thailand and Serbia to New Zealand and the US, with buildings lit up in red.

Dazzling performances like dragon and lion dances, as well as red lanterns and other decorations featuring the rabbit, were held in many parts of the world.

The Chinese Zodiac has designated 2023 as the "Year of the Rabbit."

The Empire State Building, a well-known landmark in New York City, was lit in red from Friday evening for the 23rd consecutive year, China's state-run CGTN news channel reported.

"We are so pleased to extend our heartfelt New Year's wishes to the entire Chinese community here in the United States, around the world and especially in China," said Tony Malkin, chairman, president and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, at the ceremony, according to the channel.

During a Chinese New Year celebration in Thailand's Ratchaburi Province, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha lauded the two countries' centuries-old friendship.

China has recently optimized its COVID-19 policy, and the Thai people are ready and eager to see the return of Chinese tourists, Prayut said.

Many places in Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket, this year held "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations with rich content and unique features.

Although not a public holiday in Cambodia, the event is widely celebrated, and some schools, private companies, and institutions choose to close for the occasion.

A Chinese New Year global gala night, the third of its kind, was held online in New Zealand on Saturday to celebrate the festive occasion and promote Chinese culture globally, according to its organizer, the Culture Bridge.

On Saturday, the Serbian capital of Belgrade celebrated the New Year with fireworks and a lion dance.

The central celebration at the Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade attracted hundreds of people, including Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo.

In the UK, diners visited the lantern-decorated Chinatown in London and did not miss the opportunity to take selfies to celebrate the "Year of the Rabbit."

In Edinburgh, Scotland, Chinese along with locals celebrated the event with a wide range of activities, including concerts, a light show, and opportunities for residents to try their hand at Chinese calligraphy, CGTN reported.