China's Spring Festival is a time of celebration to usher in the traditional Chinese New Year. So people across the country are busy buying goods to enjoy the festival. In Chinese they're called "Nianhuo", representing an array of Chinese New Year-related goods, such as decorations,food items and gifts. And Sun Jiayu finds out these products are flying off store shelves.

In recent days, people in China have been flocking to crowded shopping venues in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing. Many shoppers are hoping to buy "Nianhuo" ahead of the Spring Festival.

A resident says, "the festival is coming. I'm buying goods with my friend, hoping for a bright new life in the new year."

Among this year's most popular products in the "Nianhuo" market are those relating to the image of an ox. Meanwhile, many investors want to buy a lucky ox for good luck in the new year. Especially since last year's stock market was so depressed.

A resident says, "I was born in the year of ox. I bought some paintings for luck in the stock market this year."

Shopping malls and supermarkets have already opened special lanes and counters for selling "Nianhuo". A variety of sweets, alcohol, drinks and many other "Nianhuo" items are on display. Shopkeepers are hoping to cash in on all of the excitement.

Yang Jianxin, Manager of Public Relations dept. of a supermarket, says, "we prepared for the goods one month ago. We also arranged a special place to store these goods to ensure they are in good condition."

Since the start of winter, sales oof these items have not been affected by the global financial downturn. On the contrary, thanks to the excitement surrounding the Chinese New Year holiday and Spring Festival. And China's call to expand the domestic demand. The retail market is beginning to warm up again.

(CCTV January 8, 2009)