The Chinese Embassy in the United States is getting a head start on the Chinese New Year with a reception, in celebration of the Year of the Rat. 

About 700 Chinese international students and employees attended a gathering Tuesday night. It's just the beginning of weeks of activities.

There will be various "Happy Spring Festival" events in Washington D.C. through February 16, including Chinese Spring Festival cultural week, Chinese New Year family day and the Spring Festival Gala.

Family, friends and the public will also be able see cultural heritage displays, modern folk music and dance performances. 

In a speech at the reception, Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to the United States, said Chinese people in the U.S. have made great contributions to enhancing the ties between the two countries.