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Chinese people celebrate Lunar New Year

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Friday is not only the first day of the Lunar New Year, it has also kicked off more than a week's celebrations across China. Temple fairs, folk performances, traditional food stands are all visible in the country. And most celebrations have a symbolic meaning.

 

Temple fairs, folk performances, traditional food stands are all visible in the country and most celebrations have a symbolic meaning.

 

People rang the bell at the stroke of midnight at Badachu, a Buddhist temple in Beijing, in the hope of a new year filled with luck.

"I am burning incense and candles, and ringing the bell for good fortune and the health of my family in the new year." a tourist from Beijing said.

The temple, with a history of over 1,300 years, was where Chinese emperors' families used to hold celebrations.

This year, the attempt has been to recreate what the temple looked like in those times.

"It is the first year we are holding a traditional temple fair. We arranged activities and decorations according to old photos of a hundred years ago." Ti Genlong, Vice Director of Badachu Park management Office said.

Meanwhile, in Longtan Park, the atmosphere of the New Year can be easily felt. Artworks that symbolise good fortune have been displayed. Folk dances were performed.

Temple fairs, folk performances, traditional food stands are all visible in the country and most celebrations have a symbolic meaning.

In the Earth Temple fair, a photo exhibition shows what the city looked like in the old days. Typical food of various regions of China were on sale. This year has been the first that businessmen from Taiwan have attended the fair. The performance displaying the ethnic culture of Taiwan attracted lots of people.

"It's good there are so many cultures gathered in one fair. It helps me know more about different places." a Beijing resident said.

The demonstration of imperial rites showed the same ceremonies emperors used to perform in the past.

In Changsha city of Hunan province, temple fairs have a history of 250 years.

It is also a reminder for people to learn more about traditional crafts.

"I have attended the fair for over two decades. Painting with sugar has a history of a hundred years. I hope our culture will be well preserved." Mr. Liu, Sugar painter said.

Organisers say temple fairs are an important way to refresh memories about traditions. For foreigners, it is also definitely a cultural experience.

Temple fairs, folk performances, traditional food stands are all visible in the country and most celebrations have a symbolic meaning.

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