China looks to New Year celebrations to boost consumption
Chinese authorities are hoping that New Year travel and celebrations will provide a much-needed boost to the ailing domestic economy as the Year of the Dragon began on Saturday.
More than 170 train tickets had been bought by Friday, as migrant workers return to family homes to celebrate the New Year in line with long-standing tradition. Many travel from the major centres on the eastern coast into the interior.
Chinese New Year is marked in late January or early February every year. The Year of the Dragon succeeds the Year of the Rabbit. According to Chinese custom, the dragon brings strength and good luck. Dragon years – which come round every 12 years – are popular for childbearing.
The holiday is the most important in the Chinese calendar and is celebrated by Chinese communities all round the world.
Parades are held in many cities in East Asia and also in major Western centres such as New York and London. In New York, the top of the Empire State Building is lit up red, and in London, there will be a parade through the West End with events on Trafalgar Square. Sydney's Opera House is also be bathed in red.
Red, the colour of good luck, is characteristic of New Year celebrations. Doors are decorated with red to invite prosperity and good luck in. Red envelopes containing money are often given as presents.
