CRI听力: China Celebrates New Year in Style

People in China celebrated the arrival of 2010 with various festive events Thursday night, although more popularly observed new year has yet to come in six weeks time according to the lunar calendar.

Chen Zhe takes a closer look.



In China's capital, Beijing, local residents and tourists gathered in The Place, a popular shopping mall in the east of the city, to welcome in the New Year with a countdown celebration.

Artificial snow danced in the air, accompanied by the well-known Chinese song A Beautiful Jasmine.

Many onlookers expressed their New Year wishes.

"In the New Year, I wish my parents good health."

"I hope our country will become more prosperous."

Music from renowned musicians from both home and abroad marked the beginning of 2010 during a concert at the National Grand Theatre.

"It's really wonderful. Although the songs are performed with western instruments, they are still full of Chinese flavor."

In Shanghai, thousands of people gathered at Lujiazui CBD center in Pudong District to welcome the city's Expo Year.

When the clock struck midnight, 18 iconic buildings in the area were lit up against the dark night sky including the famous Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The spectacle was accompanied by loud cheering from the crowds.

One onlooker hoped the optimism can spread to the Shanghai Expo, the major world exhibition that will take place in 2010.

"I hope the Shanghai Expo will be a success. Through this event, I hope more and more foreigners will know that China is developing very well."

A number of rock bands thrilled crowds in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

"I think Chengdu has a good cultural atmosphere. This kind of open-air celebration is very festive and everyone can take part. I hope to see similar events every year."

People in Hong Kong and Taipei also celebrated the New Year. (www.hXen.com)

In Hong Kong, thousands of people crowded onto the Waterfront to witness a spectacular firework display.

Tens of thousands gathered in front of the Taipei City Hall in Taiwan to greet the New Year with concerts and fireworks around the landmark Taipei 101 building.

As a matter of fact, January 1st may just be a prelude of New Year celebrations for the Chinese. Chinese communities all over the world will come down to the most festive period of the year -- the Spring Festival, starting on February 14, the New Year's Day according to the traditional lunar calendar.

Chen Zhe, CRI News.