Ethnic Chinese all over the world have celebrated the start of the Year of the Rabbit with fireworks and family feasts.


A New Year street stall specialising in paper-cuts in a Shanghai back ally. The most popular character is "Fu", "Good Luck" in English.


Da Ar Fu, the "Lucky Fatties", are symbols of fortune and happiness.


A folk dancer waiting to perform a "dry boat" dance as a crowd gathers at the Dong Yue Temple fair in Beijing.


Praying for a better year at the Longhua Temple in Shanghai.


The Year of the Rabbit - the 4697th year based on the Chinese lunar calendar - was celebrated all over the world. Here at Chinatown in Manila, Philippines.


Ethnic Chinese in Indonesia marked the start of the New Year quietly. Indonesia's wealthiest minority were targeted by angry mobs last year during riots brought about by political and economic crisis.


The Year of the Rabbit is believed to bring peace, prosperity and good luck. Well-wishing posters were sold at 100 bath (about £2) each at Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand.

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