People strike a giant bell at the China Millennium Monument to celebrate the New Year in Beijing, January 1, 2009.

　　Children in festive outfits welcome the New Year with lanterns during a performance in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province December 31, 2008.

　　Dancers perform at a New Year gala at the Yunan TV Station to celebrate the New Year of 2009 in Kunming, capital city of Southwest China's Yunnan province, December 31, 2008.

　　Two girls arrange candles to celebrate the New Year of 2009 in Xi'an, capital city of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, January 1, 2009.

　　Children in festive outfits welcome the New Year with lanterns during a performance in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province December 31, 2008.
　　Children in festive outfits welcome the New Year with lanterns during a performance in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province December 31, 2008.