HOUSTON, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Local Chinese and American communities gathered Friday night in Houston, the fourth largest city of the United States, to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.

During the celebration, Chinese Consul General in Houston Li Qiangmin wished Chinese and American people a happy and prosperous new year.

"I wish the two great countries can work together and have better cooperation in the Year of Pig!" said Li.

U.S. Congressman Pete Olson said the Chinese communities in the United States have made great contributions to the country.

"They contribute a lot. They have great families, great jobs, (and) great traditions like the Chinese New Year that we are celebrating," he told Xinhua.

Being one of the most diverse cities in the country, Houston cherishes the unique Chinese culture, he added.

Talking about the U.S.-China relations, Olson said that being the two largest economies in the world, "we need to keep our relations growing because that makes a better world."

The gathering featured traditional Chinese performances including Peking opera, face changing of Sichuan opera and zither solo.