NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With the 2016 US-China Tourism year in full swing, both the United States and China are carrying out closer cultural exchanges than ever before. On August 12^th, baseball fans flocked to the Citi Field baseball stadium in the New York metropolitan area to witness the New York Mets take on the San Diego Padres for Friday evening's baseball game. Fans also had the opportunity to experience "An Evening of Chinese Culture" which allowed them to learn more about Chinese culture and discover travel opportunities in China. This year marked the ninth consecutive year the New York Mets baseball team has partnered with the Sino-American Friendship Association to host the US-China cultural event at Citi Field.

During "An Evening of Chinese Culture," one of China's greatest historical, cultural and scenic wonders - the world's largest stone-carved Buddha - Leshan Giant Buddha from the western province of Sichuan, China - was showcased to Americans. With a history of over 1,300 years old, it is the only UNESCO World Natural and Culture heritage site in western China.

The Sino-American Friendship Association brought live entertainment to Citi Field's outdoor plaza to showcase China's Leshan Giant Buddha as a major world wonder travel destination site. Chinese cultural performances lit up the plaza's outdoor stage as viewers poured in to watch traditional Chinese dances. Inside the baseball stadium, China's Leshan Giant Buddha was featured across multiple interactive billboards and digital screens to further promote the evening's immense cultural event. An array of promotional gifts and Leshan Giant Buddha travel information were provided for baseball fans.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio extended his endorsement of the Sino-American Friendship Association in promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the United States and China.  He noted in a greeting letter: "In honor of the 2016 U.S.-China Tourism Year, (this) event provides New Yorkers of all backgrounds with the opportunity to discover more about the Leshan Giant Buddha in China." United States Senator Charles E. Schumer also sent a greeting letter lauding "An Evening of Chinese Culture" as one of the most influential and largest Chinese cultural celebration since its inception in 2009.

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SOURCE Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA)