世界各地的新年庆祝活动

The Chinese New Year celebration in London reached its climax on Sunday when tens of thousands of people gathered in China Town and Trafalgar Square to watch the dragon and lion dances.

This is by far Europe's largest Chinese New Year celebration.

Heading the lion dance team is martial arts teacher Jeffery Alexander.

He has been involved in the event for many years.

"It's very special for us this year, because one we are also helping to organize some other martial arts team to join in, and two we've had the opportunity to showcase our techniques on national television, on Channel, on BBC and also on London Live. "

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister David Cameron has invited more than 200 guests to celebrate the Chinese New Year at Number 10 Downing Street in London on Monday evening.

During the party, Cameron spoke highly of the booming Chinese economy.

"It's an interesting but less known fact that in America during Thanksgiving they spent $50 million in terms of restaurants and bookings for Thanksgiving. The figure for China and Chinese New Year, it's $100 billion. So that gives a sense of who knows best how to party."

The festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year in France has culminated in an annual parade on Sunday in Paris.

The parade, with a history spanning 30 years, has drawn some 200 thousand spectators.

"The goat is a kind of very smart animal that can bring auspiciousness to people. It also signifies loyalty of friendship between our two countries. I wish everyone a happy year of the goat."

At the same time, thousands of people join the Chinese New Year parade in Chicago's Chinatown for the yearly parade on Sunday afternoon, despite the cold weather.

People dressed in festive costumes are chanting "Happy New Year" on 20 parade floats.

Down to Sydney, Australia, where 90 lanterns shaped like the famous Terracotta Warriors have been lit up in the iconic Sydney Harbor area to welcome the lunar New Year.

The artwork was created for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 by a team of Chinese artists. And this year, the same team was invited to bring the lanterns to Australia.

The massive installations have attracted thousands of visitors. Mrs Zhao from China is married to an Australian local and has a 2 year old son. She had come with her family to see the lanterns.

"We want to celebrate Chinese New Year. it's amazing that we have lanterns of terracotta warriors in Sydney. We have specially brought Jaden, my son, to see the lanterns. It's his first time to see the terracotta warriors. I have brought him here so that he can feel the atmosphere of Chinese New Year."

The lanterns are among more than 80 other exhibitions and activities being held in connection to the Chinese New Year in Sydney this year.

It is said to be the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia.

For CRI, I am Wang Mengzhen.