Fireworks were the order of the day in China as the Year of the Rabbit was ushered in on Chinese New Year’s Eve, Wednesday night 2 February but a more formal ceremony was held Thursday morning at the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park) in Beijing, where the ancient royal heaven worship ceremony took place. It is the start of the Chinese lunar new year, but also the Spring Festival.

Fireworks appear to be the cause of a fire that gutted a five-star hotel in northeastern China, in Shenyang, shortly after midnight. Only 50 people were in the hotel at the time, say authorities, and there were no casualties.

Much of the Chinese-speaking world, including Taiwan and cities with large Chinese populations such as Vancouver, are celebrating the lunar new year.

Economic growth, a positive turn in luck and better lives for those in need were common themes in speeches.

Links to other sites: Vancouver Sun, Xinhua, wikipedia

The economy may be suffering but for a short period the Chinese are determined to forget it, spending 13% more for the opening of the annual Spring Festival or Lunar New Year than they did in 2008. The year of the ox has so far resulted in 68 tons of debris being collected in Beijing alone, from fireworks. It might be tough to get home, but that’s the big goal for this key Chinese holiday. Xinhua and Motorbikes, Mao and a Yak