CHICAGO, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Delicious Chinese dumplings, Tai Chi performance, traditional Chinese dance, attracts nearly 600 local residents to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Chicago's City College this weekend.

With the activity themed "Dumpling Fest," participants can not only learn how to make dumplings, but also they can have a dip of Chinese culture, one organizer said.

"You should hold the side tight, and then a dumpling is well done." 6-year-old Rose listened what the Chinese chef taught at stage and make dumplings herself. She said to Xinhua that it was amazing because she could eat her own works.

With the guidance of volunteer, Rose's neighbour Mary Eddery learned how to use chopsticks. 55-year-old Mary said it was the third time she joined in the fest. "It is fantastic as I love Chinese food so much. I found more people attending the fest." She told Xinhua.

Besides Chinese food offered at the fest, volunteers form local Chinese communities performed Tai Chi, traditional Chinese dance, which draw applause from people. Several workshops were set up during the fest to show Chinese handicrafts such as hand writing, paper carving, tea ceremony and Chinese acupuncture medicine.

The Dumpling Fest, organized by United Chinese Americans(UCA) Illinois Chapter, started a series of activities the City of Chicago will hold to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Year of Dog 2018.

Chicago is the first city in the U.S. to launch Chinese New Year celebration in the name of city government, and 2018 will be the fifth year for the City of Chicago to mark Chinese New Year.

Chicago has paid much attention to obtain Chinese investment and attract more Chinese tourists. Compared to east and west coastal areas of the U.S. Midwest with Chicago as its communication hub received relatively less Chinese tourists, and there is a huge potential to expand the market.

Thanks to all efforts made, total domestic and oversea visitors to Chicago reached 53.91 million in 2016, an increase of 2.5 percent from record 52.59 million in 2015. To be specific, domestic visitation was a record 52.35 million, an increase of 2.7 percent from 2015; overseas visitation is estimated at 1.466 million, according to statistics provided by Choose Chicago.