Spring Festival celebrations, Lunar New Year events, etc...

[TaiShang]

Red packets rain for a wealthy New Year
CRI, January 21, 2017

Do not be surprised to see red packets, or hongbao, falling from the sky. In Hunan province, a staff member from Shiniuzhai National Geological Park, dressed as the Chinese God of Wealth, is sending out New Year wishes to visitors. [Photo/ Chinanews.com]


A man hangs off a cableway at Shiniuzhai National Geological Park. He is dressed as the Chinese God of Wealth which is believed to bring good fortune and wealth to people. [Photo/Chinanews.com]


Friday marks the start of the Lunar New Year celebrations, called the "little New Year" (xiao nian) in Chinese. Traditionally, people will worship the God of Wealth on this day which is believed to bring good fortune and wealth for the whole year. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Friday marks the start of the Lunar New Year celebrations, called the "little New Year" (xiao nian) in Chinese. Traditionally, people will worship the God of Wealth on this day which is believed to bring good fortune and wealth for the whole year. [Photo/Chinanews.com]


In Hunan province, a staff member from the Shiniuzhai National Geological Park dressed as the Chinese God of Wealth is sending out New Year wishes to visitors. The Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, falls on Jan. 28th this year. [Photo/Chinanews.com]


In Hunan province, a staff member from the Shiniuzhai National Geological Park dressed as the Chinese God of Wealth is sending out New Year wishes to visitors. The Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, falls on Jan. 28th this year. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

 

[ahojunk]

Tourists visit lantern fair to celebrate upcoming Spring Festival
(Xinhua) 14:26, January 21, 2017

Tourists visit a lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Kaifeng, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Junsheng)

Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2017 shows a lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Fang)

Tourists visit a lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province, Jan. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Yujie)

Tourists visit a lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Kaifeng, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Junsheng)

NANTONG, Jan. 21, 2017 (Xinhua) -- Tourists visit a lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Nantong, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Xu Congjun)

 

[cnleio]

JUST TELL A JOKE

 

[ahojunk]

Foreigners experience Spring Festival in Ningbo
(People's Daily Online) 16:15, January 22, 2017

Foreigners join in a waist-drum dance with villagers in Dayan County of Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Jan. 21, 2017. More than 150 foreigners came to experience the folk culture and customs of the upcoming Spring Festival, together with local residents.(Photo/zj.people.cn)

Foreigners taste steamed rice buns in Dayan County of Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Jan. 21, 2017. More than 150 foreigners came to experience the folk culture and customs of the upcoming Spring Festival, together with local residents. (Photo/zj.people.cn)

Foreigners display their Spring Festival couplets in Dayan County of Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Jan. 21, 2017. More than 150 foreigners came to experience the folk culture and customs of the upcoming Spring Festival, together with local residents. (Photo/zj.people.cn)


********

I think these are foreign students in China.
.

 

[jkroo]

Red packets rain for a wealthy New Year
CRI, January 21, 2017

Do not be surprised to see red packets, or hongbao, falling from the sky. In Hunan province, a staff member from Shiniuzhai National Geological Park, dressed as the Chinese God of Wealth, is sending out New Year wishes to visitors. [Photo/ Chinanews.com]


A man hangs off a cableway at Shiniuzhai National Geological Park. He is dressed as the Chinese God of Wealth which is believed to bring good fortune and wealth to people. [Photo/Chinanews.com]


Friday marks the start of the Lunar New Year celebrations, called the "little New Year" (xiao nian) in Chinese. Traditionally, people will worship the God of Wealth on this day which is believed to bring good fortune and wealth for the whole year. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Friday marks the start of the Lunar New Year celebrations, called the "little New Year" (xiao nian) in Chinese. Traditionally, people will worship the God of Wealth on this day which is believed to bring good fortune and wealth for the whole year. [Photo/Chinanews.com]


In Hunan province, a staff member from the Shiniuzhai National Geological Park dressed as the Chinese God of Wealth is sending out New Year wishes to visitors. The Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, falls on Jan. 28th this year. [Photo/Chinanews.com]


In Hunan province, a staff member from the Shiniuzhai National Geological Park dressed as the Chinese God of Wealth is sending out New Year wishes to visitors. The Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, falls on Jan. 28th this year. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Haha, I like this part. The God of Wealth with red pack is warmly welcomed.

 

[Place Of Space]

Tourists visit lantern fair to celebrate upcoming Spring Festival
(Xinhua) 14:26, January 21, 2017

View attachment 370731
Tourists visit a lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Kaifeng, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Junsheng)


View attachment 370732
Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2017 shows a lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Fang)


View attachment 370733
Tourists visit a lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province, Jan. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Yujie)


View attachment 370734
Tourists visit a lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Kaifeng, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Junsheng)


View attachment 370735
NANTONG, Jan. 21, 2017 (Xinhua) -- Tourists visit a lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival in Nantong, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Xu Congjun)

Happy Lunar New Year, @ahojunk

 

[TaiShang]

China in Spring Festival mood
China.org.cn, January 24, 2017

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People select lanterns, paper cuttings and other decorations in a trading center in Weifang, east China’s Shandong on Jan.24, 2017.The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. With the coming of Spring Festival, the festal atmosphere has been spread all over China.[China.org.cn/VCG]

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People select lanterns, paper cuttings and other decorations in a trading center in Jinan, east China’s Shandong on Jan.24, 2017.The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. With the coming of Spring Festival, the festal atmosphere has been spread all over China.[China.org.cn/VCG]

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Photo taken on Jan. 23, 2017 shows lanterns decorated for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year at Longtanhu Park, Beijing. The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. With the coming of Spring Festival, the festal atmosphere has been spread all over China.[China.org.cn/VCG]

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Photo taken on Jan. 23, 2017 shows lanterns decorated for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year in Beijing. The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. With the coming of Spring Festival, the festal atmosphere has been spread all over China.[China.org.cn/VCG]

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Photo taken on Jan. 23, 2017 shows lanterns decorated for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year in Ditan Park, Beijing. The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. With the coming of Spring Festival, the festal atmosphere has been spread all over China.[China.org.cn/VCG]

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The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. With the coming of Spring Festival, the festal atmosphere has been spread all over China.[China.org.cn/VCG]

 

[TaiShang]

China prepares for Spring Festival

Xinhua, January 25, 2017

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Children dressed up as roosters send gifts to elderly people in Hefei City, capital of east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 24, 2017, to greet the upcoming Spring Festival which falls on Jan. 28. (Xinhua/Xie Chen)



Working staff of local tax bureau help local people put paper-cutting works on window to greet the upcoming Spring Festival in Shuangjiang Village of Suining City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhong Min)



Children dressed up as roosters send gifts to elderly people in Hefei City, capital of east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 24, 2017, to greet the upcoming Spring Festival which falls on Jan. 28. (Xinhua/Xie Chen)



A staff member hangs red lanterns on a bridge in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jan. 23, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Gong Pukang)



People purchase Spring Festival decorations at a market in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 23, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Bu Xiangdong)



Folk artists perform at a square in Xuyi County, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 24, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Zhou Haijun)



Actors perform a dragon dance on a street in Jinzhou, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Li Tiecheng)



A staff member installs lanterns on a street in Jinzhou City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Li Tiecheng)

 

[TaiShang]

Continued...



People purchase red lanterns at a market in Qingzhou City, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 23, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Wang Jilin)



A child stands in front of rooster-themed decorations at a market in Yiyuan County, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 24, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Zhao Dongshan)



Citizens select flowers in Macao Province, south China, Jan. 24, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)



Citizens select Spring Festival decorations in Macao Province, south China, Jan. 24, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)



Citizens walk past the lantern decoration in Liuzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Region, Jan. 24, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Li Bin)



Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2017 shows the Spring Festival decorations in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Province. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi)



Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2017 shows the Spring Festival decorations in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Province. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi)

Photo taken on Jan. 24, 2017 shows the Spring Festival decorations in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Province. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi)

 

[TaiShang]

Tibetan militiaman welcomes Spring Festival with new national flag

Source: Globaltimes.cn Published: 2017/1/25 11:26:24


Highlights: 64-year-old militiaman Pema Urgyen prepares to raise a brand new national flag in celebration of the Spring Festival in Ngari Prefecture, Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region on January 24, 2017. He has been a member of the militia since 1972, guarding Luma Bridge for close to half a century.

Pema Urgyen, a 64-year-old militiaman who has served for 45 years in Ngari Prefecture, Southwest China's Tibet Region, salutes as he stands in front of a new national flag on January 24, 2017. Urgyen replaced the station's worn-out flag in preparation for the coming Spring Festival. Photo: CFP

64-year-old militiaman Pema Urgyen prepares to raise a new national flag in celebration of the Spring Festival in Ngari Prefecture, Southwest China's Tibet Region on January 24, 2017.Photo: CFP

64-year-old militiaman Pema Urgyen prepares to raise a new national flag in celebration of the Spring Festival in Ngari Prefecture, Southwest China's Tibet Region on January 24, 2017.Photo: CFP

Pema Urgyen salutes as he stands beneath a new national flag on January 24, 2017.Photo: CFP

 

[haidian]

Foreign volunteers in China's New Year travel rush

 

[ahojunk]

China readies for Spring Festival
2017-01-26 09:30 Global Times Editor: Li Yan

A dragon dance in Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, Jan. 23, 2017. Chinese people are busy with preparing for the upcoming Spring Festival, the most important family reunion festival in China, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Li Tiecheng)

Millions going home for family reunion

As millions of Chinese get together with their families over the next two days to celebrate the Spring Festival, or the Lunar New Year, the whole country seems fully prepared for China's most important holiday, which falls on Saturday this year.

According to statistics from China Railway Corporation (CRC), a total of 9.49 million passengers took trains on Wednesday. On Tuesday the number was 9.19 million, showing an increase of 8.7 percent compared with 2016.

The CRC has arranged more trains and added 246,000 seats for passengers in an effort to deal with the passenger flow peak.

Several passengers reached by the Global Times on Wednesday said that crowds in two railway stations in Beijing were not as large as expected and the quick security checks at entrances helped save time and smooth flow.

The Ministry of Transport said in a release on January 4 that the total number of journeys during the Spring Festival season would be expected to reach 2.97 billion, with train passengers accounting for 12 percent and 84 percent traveling by road.

Overseas trips have become another choice for more and more Chinese during the seven-day holidays. China Southern Airlines arranged 111 overseas flights from Shenzhen on Tuesday and the company's number of passengers for overseas flights is expected to be 18,000.

While many Chinese prefer to spend the holidays with families, some have to stand fast and remain at their posts.

A People's Liberation Army (PLA) officer, who asked for anonymity, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the Spring Festival is important for combat preparedness and they should be ready for any drill. He said that he has not gone home for the Spring Festival for 10 years.

Fireworks free

For those whose hometowns were previously besieged by heavy smog over winter, their memories for the Spring Festival routine may be altered a little, since some cities tightened regulations on fireworks over pollution concerns.

According to a message sent by the Beijing municipal government on Wednesday, residents can set fireworks the whole day on Friday and Saturday and from 7 am to midnight from Sunday to February 11 within the Fifth Ring Road.

"Please set fewer or no fireworks in an effort to reduce air pollution. And if there is a red or orange alert on air pollution, fireworks will be banned. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation," read the message.

A poll released by a research center in Beijing showed that more than 15.7 percent of the respondents would set fireworks, a decrease of 7.3 percent from last year. More than 80 percent of residents would not set fireworks with 43.3 percent of respondents giving "air pollution" as the main reason.

Several cities and regions in China, including Shanghai and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, have tightened regulations on the use of fireworks, requiring buyers to register their personal information and reducing the number of retailers during the upcoming Spring Festival.

Shanghai authorities only allowed seven outlets to sell pyrotechnics, beginning on Monday, over safety concerns, the Shanghai-based Labor Daily reported on Monday.

Must-see TV

Another routine for many Chinese is to watch China Central Television's Spring Festival Gala. Traditionally broadcast on the eve of Chinese New Year, the gala is a necessity for most families. Not all think the show is as attractive and interesting as it used to be, as with many netizens annually mocking the program and suggesting it should be canceled.

However, a webpage with the hashtag #The Spring Festival Gala# on Sina Weibo has been viewed 10.36 billion times with 46.62 million comments as of the press time.

The National Copyright Administration released an announcement on Tuesday, saying that the institution has listed the Spring Festival Gala for copyright protection, calling it an important and influential cultural product. Individuals or online platforms are banned from streaming the program without authority.

Red envelopes or hongbao are also an essential New Year element in China. But these days, hongbao have entered the digital era and people are full of enthusiasm about giving digital cash through Alipay and Wechat.

Alipay has kept pushing its previous year's plan encouraging users to collect five different styles of fu - good fortune.

Users could acquire the fu cards by scanning anything with the Chinese character fu on it, no matter if it's on a poster attached to your door or a physical red envelope.

A total of 200 million yuan will be distributed in various sums among users who have collected all five styles of fu cards.

 

[ahojunk]

Longtan Park decorated to greet Chinese new year

The New Year decorations are set in Longtan Park in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 24, 2017, to greet the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)

 

[AndrewJin]

Spring Festival Gala Live

8pm-1am Beijing time

 

[haidian]

One billion expected to watch China's New Years spectacle