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China ushers in year of the pig Fiery launch for Chinese new year
(30 minutes later)
People across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year - China's most important festival which is seen as particularly auspicious this year. China's year of the pig has got off to an explosive start, with celebrations including record-breaking displays of fireworks and firecrackers.
People flocked to temples and parks to pray, eat, sing and burn incense.
The year of the pig is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. But this time it is a golden pig year, which happens once in six decades.The year of the pig is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. But this time it is a golden pig year, which happens once in six decades.
Vast numbers have been on the move to be with their family for celebrations. But at least 125 people were injured by fireworks in the capital Beijing, as they sought to drive away evil spirits.
Carnival dragons have been on parade and fireworks have been lighting up the night sky in Beijing and elsewhere. Vast numbers of people have been on the move to be with their family for the celebrations.
State TV broadcast images of President Hu Jintao visiting a Chinese family to wish them well. State TV broadcast images of President Hu Jintao visiting one family to wish them well.
Big shut-down Disney goes classical
The whole country of China has been getting ready to celebrate.
YEAR OF THE GOLDEN PIG The pig is the last of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiacPigs symbolise good luck, but also turbulence2007 is the year of the fire (golden) pigBabies born in Golden Pig years are believed to be particularly lucky Celebrations in picturesYEAR OF THE GOLDEN PIG The pig is the last of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiacPigs symbolise good luck, but also turbulence2007 is the year of the fire (golden) pigBabies born in Golden Pig years are believed to be particularly lucky Celebrations in pictures
There are red lanterns hanging in the parks, dragon dance performances and traditional fairs at some of the country's biggest temples.There are red lanterns hanging in the parks, dragon dance performances and traditional fairs at some of the country's biggest temples.
More than 150 million people have been travelling, using whatever means of transport they can to get to their home town and join in family celebrations. In Beijing's Ditan Park, performers sang folk songs and opera for the crowds, many of whom carried balloons and pinwheels.
Direct flights are also allowed between China and Taiwan for New Year. Vendors sold pork dumplings and other treats such as pig-shaped toffee.
Increased affluence and a greater number of migrant workers has added to the strain on China's transport system. At Hong Kong's Disneyland, Mickey and Minnie Mouse donned traditional Chinese clothes as loudspeakers replaced Disney tunes with classical Chinese music.
But the city itself was a ghost town, as a firecracker ban forced revellers to seek a festive atmosphere elsewhere.
'Turbulence''Turbulence'
The Year of the Golden Pig falls once every 60 years.The Year of the Golden Pig falls once every 60 years.
Some soothsayers warn that the pig can bring turbulence, and warn of a rise in natural disasters and conflict in 2007.Some soothsayers warn that the pig can bring turbulence, and warn of a rise in natural disasters and conflict in 2007.
The Year of the Pig will also be celebrated with greater sensitivity in some Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia with large Muslim populations, which view pigs as offensive and unclean. A baby boom is also expected, in what is considered one of the most auspicious years for having children.
The year of the pig is being celebrated with greater sensitivity in some Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia with large Muslim populations, which view pigs as offensive and unclean.
How are you celebrating Chinese New Year? Were you born in the year of the Golden Pig? Are you in China and have you travelled to your home village? Send us your travel tales and hopes for the new year using the form below.How are you celebrating Chinese New Year? Were you born in the year of the Golden Pig? Are you in China and have you travelled to your home village? Send us your travel tales and hopes for the new year using the form below.
Wherever you are, send us your celebration photos and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +44 (0)7725 100 100. Wherever you are, send us your celebration photos and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +44 (0)7725 100 100.
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