The Year of the Horse is nearly here and millions of Chinese families around the country and the world are getting together to welcome it. Many around China have made long journeys back home to be with their loved ones and celebrate in their own traditional ways.
"Duilian" is one of those traditional elements which is a necessary part of the celebrations. It is lines of poetry pasted on the doorway. People stick their good wishes on the wall, wishing passers-by a happy new year.
Supermarkets are full of people buying food for the big dinner for the whole family. And dumplings are an essential dish on the New Year eve dinner table, especially in northern China. Children get lucky money from elders...meaning, a good wish for the children in the coming year.
Traditional performances by drummers and dragon dances are always an attraction for holiday visitors.
China’s different ethnic minorities have varied colorful ways of celebrating the new year.
The New Year marks the beginning of the Spring Festival celebrations which last for half a month.