Hundreds of thousands of revelers flock to Wulin Square of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province to kick-start the New Year with a 3D lightshow and a string of star performances on Dec 31. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Fireworks and countdown celebrations took place around the world on Dec 31 to mark the transition to the New Year as revelers everywhere bid farewell to 2018 and welcomed 2019.

In Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, cold weather didn't keep crowds from picking Wulin Square, the heart of the city, for a New Year party on a grand scale, with the highlight being a spectacular 3D lightshow and a string of star performances.

"It feels like there are more people than on last year's New Year's Eve," said a police officer.

Organized by the government of Xiacheng district, the seven-minute three-part lightshow brought the celebration to a climax by vividly showcasing how advanced technology has changed people's lives and their aspirations for a better life. Printing, Peking opera masks, War of Tanks and the highly entertaining puzzle game Pac-Man were among the featured elements of the lightshow.

An annual event to welcome the New Year, the countdown celebration at Wulin Square has evolved into a brand activity with Hangzhou characteristics.

Peking opera masks are displayed at a featured 3D lightshow in Wulin Square of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province to celebrate New Year on Dec 31. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]