Millions of Chinese people have been celebrating to welcome the Year of the Dragon.
Fireworks, food and family are the most important ingredients for Chinese New Year and here in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao it is no different.
Freezing temperatures have not stopped people coming out into the streets to let off crackers.
There seems to be a special excitement this year because it is the year of the dragon – the mythical creature close to every Chinese heart.
It is hoped that the Dragon Year will be a time of boldness, creativity and innovation. Also, because it is the year of the water dragon, there is special significance for these coastal communities.
2012 ABC