China celebrates New Year in different ways

Source: CCTV.com | 01-02-2009 12:26

hroughout China, 2009 was welcomed in different ways, but all celebrations shared the same basic dreams and wishes peace, joy, and prosperity. Liu Yanhua has more.

The Chinese national flag rises above Tian'anmen Square in Beijing for the first time in 2009 early New Year's day.

About 10000 residents and tourists braved the early morning chill specially for the ceremony.

At the same time, people who suffered through the May 12th earthquake in Sichuan showed their confidence in the future by attending the flag-raising ceremony at a relocation site in Dujiangyan city.

Similar ceremonies were held in the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative regions.

China's 25th Antarctic Expedition team also raised the Chinese flag at the South Pole.

But many people welcomed 2009 by the traditional striking of bells. They gathered in famous temples across the country, hoping the new year bells will bring them good luck in the new year.

Others greeted the new year by attending sports events. Shandong, Anhui, Henan and Hubei provinces all organized long-distance runs, attracting tens of thousands. The participants want to continue the Olympics spirit in 2009.

In the snow-covered western China, special games are held to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Thousands of players took part in football games, wrestling and skiing competitions.

Meanwhile, in the warmer regions of southern China people thronged temple fairs, tasting snacks, watching folk dances and enjoying a joyous occasion.

Editor:Yang Jie