Two China-themed floats were part of this year's Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, bringing the rich and colorful Chinese culture to 1 million American viewers on Friday.

This is the first time that two China-themed floats have appeared together in the Rose Parade's 121-year history.

The Shanghai World Expo float themed "Better City, Better Life" attracted spectators along the 5.5-mile parade route. World-famous movie star Jackie Chan waved and wished the spectators "Happy New Year," flashing his endearingly funny Jackie-style smile.

With groups of children roller-skating back and forth on the float and other performers donning the costumes of different Chinese nationalities, the Shanghai World Expo float has left a deep impression on American spectators.

"It is marvelous. It is so beautiful. I love those children, I wish I could visit Shanghai again," Bernadete Lucier gushed. Lucier came from Santa Monica to watch the parade.

Lucier told Xinhua she once visited Shanghai several years ago, and that the Shanghai float has brought back her memories of Shanghai.

"Dance with the Terra Cotta Warriors" is the second China-themed float at the Rose Parade. Co-sponsored by Phoenix Satellite TV and Shaanxi Province, the float features the world-famous Terra Cotta Warriors.

With Terra Cotta Warriors at the front of the float, a Chinese-style pagoda in the rear, and a beautiful pavilion in the middle, the float demonstrated the 5,000-year history of Chinese culture.

Along with the float came several dozen of dancers dressed in ancient Tang dynasty costumes. The Terra Cotta Warriors, the pagoda and the exotic beauties dancing to the beat of Chinese music formed a vivid picture of ancient China.

The float won the Directors' Award of the 2010 Rose Parade for its outstanding artistic merit in designing and floral presentation.

The first China-themed float was dedicated to the celebration of the Beijing Olympics on January 1, 2008. It is the second time the Chinese brought their themed floats to the parade.

Besides the Shanghai Expo and Warriors floats, China Airlines from Taiwan has also entered its float in the parade. Themed "Taiwan's Guardian -- The Third Prince," the float focuses on the image of The Third Prince, a legendary Chinese figure. Before the Third Prince lies a sea dragon, decorated with flowers and dried fruit, which was tamed by the prince in the legend.

The float from Taiwan won the International Award for the most beautiful entry from outside the continental United States.

This year's Rose Parade is themed "A Cut Above the Rest," and famed US Airways pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger presided as grand marshal.

Sullenberger III rode down Colorado Boulevard in a vintage 1928 Pierce Arrow with his wife, Lorrie, and two daughters as part of the annual armada of flower-draped floats, marching bands and prancing horses.

Tournament of Roses officials said it was an easy choice to have Sullenberger serve as the parade's grand marshal.

Sullenberger, 58, became a national hero when he successfully landed a disabled commercial airliner in New York's Hudson River on January 15, 2009.

"Captain Sully saved the lives of 155 people and is an excellent example of the everyday American hero," Jeffrey Throop, acting president of the Tournament of Roses, said at the time Sullenberger was chosen.

Sullenberger said he did not hesitate when asked to serve as grand marshal because his family has watched the parade when he was growing up in Texas.

For the first time, the parade is featuring an all-blind marching band. Created in 2005, the 31-member Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band is believed to be the only all-blind marching band in the United States.

This year's parade includes 41 floats, 21 marching bands and 23 equestrian units from around the world. The parade passed before about 1 million spectators, many of whom camped out overnight in hopes of securing prime viewing positions for one of the world's most famous parades.

People in over 40 countries could watch the parade through live TV broadcast.

Following the Rose Parade, the 96th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi will feature the No. 8 BCS-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes versus the No. 7 BCS-ranked Oregon.

(Xinhua News Agency January 2, 2010)