Chinese people celebrate New Year

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 01-01-2009 08:50

In Beijing, people have embraced the New Year with traditional celebrations. And besides wishing themselves and their loved ones luck in the new year, many also sent their best wishes to the survivors of the Sichuan earthquake.

Striking the ancient bell to ring out 2008 and hail the arrival of the New Year.

Chinese people have embraced the New Year with different  ways.

Hundreds of people flocked to the Big Bell Temple in Beijing at midnight to greet the coming of 2009 despite the freezing weather.

It's believed that 108 strikes of the bell to ring in the New Year will expel an equal number of worries and bring people good luck. That's why people are gathering here, praying that both themselves and their loved ones have a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.

One Beijing citizen said "This is a Chinese tradition which has lasted for hundreds of years. We pray here for ourselves and at the same time for our country. We wish our country a strong and prosperous 2009. Only by doing this, can we ourselves gain more happiness."

Hundreds of people flocked to the Big Bell Temple in Beijing at midnight to greet the coming of 2009 despite the freezing weather.

One Beijing citizen "Today we are here to express our love for each other. It's also a moment for us to feel that we are growing with our country."

Many are mindful of those affected by the Sichuan earthquake seven months ago, and send them their love.

One college student said "I hope in 2009 the pain caused by the earthquake will be eased. I hope they will have more happiness in the New Year, and can rebuild their homes and lead lives as good as or even better than before."

One college student said "In 2008, our country experienced both sorrow and glory. I hope in 2009, we will have more happiness and harmony, but less sorrow and grief."

As the chimes of the Big Bell express happiness, peace and harmony, people are hoping their wishes will be realized in 2009.