The float was presented jointly by the Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA), Kunming Tourism Development Commission, the administrative bureau of Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area, and Macy's.

Zhang said that during President Xi Jinping's state visit to the US in September, Xi and President Barack Obama agreed to strengthen humanitarian and tourist exchanges.

And 2016 was named the year of China-US tourism.

"That means more Chinese tourists will be visiting the US next year, and we hope more American tourists could visit China as well," Zhang said.

Snoopy, Ronald McDonald, SpongeBob Square Pants and Ice Age's Scrat were some of the 17 giant balloons in the sky.

Parade security was high, and the New York Police Department was on patrol in record numbers. No incidents or arrests were reported, which started on the Upper West Side and concluded at Macy's flagship store in Herald Square at 34th Street.

Police walked alongside many parade groups, and helicopters hovered above in heightened awareness following the Nov 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, in which 130 people were killed in several incidents for which ISIS claimed responsibility.

Crowds up to 80 deep applauded the baton twirlers, stilt walkers and giant helium balloons of characters such as Snoopy and Hello Kitty.

Children hoisted on their parents' shoulders narrated to those in the crowd whose views were blocked. Some youngsters climbed onto police vans, adding to the holiday atmosphere.

Members of a new NYPD counter-terrorism unit also were on duty. Officers guarded subway entrances and circulated through crowds.