YANGON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year reception was held in Chinese ambassador's residence in Yangon on Saturday with participation of more than 700 guests from the Myanmar government, military and the Chinese community in Myanmar.

In his speech, Ambassador Hong Liang reviewed the great progress in China, Myanmar and their bilateral ties in the outgoing Year of the Rooster.

The ambassador said Myanmar has made steady progress in national transition and new strides in promoting peace and development, noting that the China-Myanmar relations and paukphaw (fraternal) friendship have reached a new height.

He expressed good wishes for both China and Myanmar for the upcoming Year of the Dog.

U Kyaw Tint Swe, union minister for the Office of the State Counselor of Myanmar, extended his greetings and good wishes to the Chinese government and its people for the Chinese Lunar New Year. He expressed appreciation for China's support to Myanmar peace process and for its humanitarian assistance in Rakhine State.

The guests enjoyed singing and dancing performances presented by artists from China and Myanmar, delicious Chinese and Myanmar food, and Chinese lantern show.

"I really enjoy the face-changing show, it's amazing!" a Myanmar guest told Xinhua.

The Chinese embassy and Chinese community in Myanmar are holding various activities to celebrate the biggest festival in a year for the Chinese.