Fireworks, prayers and record travel: Asia welcomes the Year of the Horse
World
Hundreds of millions of people across Asia have begun celebrating the Lunar New Year, one of the region’s most important holidays. In China, the Year of the Horse has replaced the Year of the Snake, while authorities expect record travel during the Spring Festival period.
The Lunar New Year, which coincides with the first new moon, lasts for 15 days and falls between late January and mid-February. It is the most significant traditional holiday in China and several East Asian countries.
Chinese officials say about 9.5 billion passenger trips are expected during the 40-day holiday period, up from 9 billion a year earlier. Beijing hopes the surge in travel and festive spending will boost domestic consumption and support the economy.
As usual, the celebrations included a large televised gala, where one of the highlights was a performance by children and humanoid robots demonstrating martial arts. The show underscored China’s push to develop advanced artificial intelligence and robotics.
Festivities also took place beyond mainland China. In Taiwan, a temple bell rang 108 times at Baoan Temple in Taipei, a number considered auspicious. In Hong Kong, people lined up at temples to make wishes, while in Vietnam, cities were lit up by fireworks and light shows during the Tet festival.
Celebrations were held around the world as well. In Moscow, two-week street festivals featuring Chinese food and lantern decorations began, while in Buenos Aires thousands gathered in Chinatown for martial arts performances and traditional dragon and lion dances.
Chinese officials say about 9.5 billion passenger trips are expected during the 40-day holiday period, up from 9 billion a year earlier. Beijing hopes the surge in travel and festive spending will boost domestic consumption and support the economy.
As usual, the celebrations included a large televised gala, where one of the highlights was a performance by children and humanoid robots demonstrating martial arts. The show underscored China’s push to develop advanced artificial intelligence and robotics.
Festivities also took place beyond mainland China. In Taiwan, a temple bell rang 108 times at Baoan Temple in Taipei, a number considered auspicious. In Hong Kong, people lined up at temples to make wishes, while in Vietnam, cities were lit up by fireworks and light shows during the Tet festival.
Celebrations were held around the world as well. In Moscow, two-week street festivals featuring Chinese food and lantern decorations began, while in Buenos Aires thousands gathered in Chinatown for martial arts performances and traditional dragon and lion dances.
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