Guangzhou welcomes the year of the rat with flowers, fireworks, and dazzling light displays

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 02-09-2008 10:42

Locals living in Guangzhou are trying to make up for the winter storms with a flower fair and fireworks display. Visitors to the city are also joining in the annual celebrations.

A large light exhibition at Guangzhou''s Baiyun Mountain is being held.The Golden Dragon is the most spectacular.

A large light exhibition at Guangzhou's Baiyun Mountain is being held to celebrate the lunar new year. Twenty sets of light decorations are on display all over the mountain. The Golden Dragon is the most spectacular. It is almost 50 meters long and is made up of more than 20 lights. It is a drawcard for visitors. "I am from Hunan and I couldn't go home because of snow. So I stayed in Guangzhou. I heard a lot about Baiyun Mountain and the huge dragon 48 meters long. It looks more beautiful at night." a visitor said.

Peach flowers are an auspicious symbol in Chinese culture.

Another big attraction on Baiyun Mountain are the thousands of peach flowers. More than 10 types of peach flowers are in bloom. But the Peach King is the most striking. It's six meters high and more than 16 meters in diameter. Peach flowers are an auspicious symbol in Chinese culture. People hope to be blessed by taking photos with them.

A staff member of Baiyun Mountain Park said "We Cantonese come to appreciate peach flowers during the Spring Festival. It stands for peace, bliss and happiness. We all wish to have a peach luck. That means to be doing well all year round."

More than ten species of rare parrots joined the festivities.

More than ten species of rare parrots joined the festivities. Some of them are smart enough to do arithmetic while others are strong enough to lift weights. They will be living on Baiyun Mountain until February the 12th.

Editor:Du Xiaodan