[an error occurred while processing this directive]
BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
Last Updated: Monday, 23 January 2006, 13:26 GMT
In pictures: Chinese New Year preparation

Chinese woman exercises next to paper umbrellas and red lanterns in Beijing park, 23/1/06

People across East Asia are preparing for Chinese New Year, which officially begins on 29 January.

Models dressed as a goddesses of wealth and holding dogs pose for photo as part of a celebration for the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dog at a shopping mall in Hong Kong, 23 January 2006. T

2006 sees the start of the Year of the Dog, which according to Chinese astrology is a year of generosity and justice.

People wait for their luggage after arriving from Shanghai to the Chiang Kai-shek airport in Taoyuan, Taiwan, 40km (24 miles) southwest of Taipei, Friday, Jan. 20, 2006.

Hundreds of Taiwanese have taken advantage of special direct flights to China, laid on especially for the holiday.

Street performers are seen carrying giant fans during a street performance rehearsal, Saturday Jan. 21, 2006 in Singapore

Chinese locals in Singapore are practising for New Year street performances.

Shopper shares a light moment while looking at reversible bright red briefs with Chinese characters in gold on display and for sale at a shopping centre in Johor, southern Malaysia, Jan. 19, 2006.

While in Malaysia, shoppers are making the most of special New Year's underpants.

A customer looks for fireworks as vendors prepare their display for sale to the public, 23 January 2006 in Beijing.

In Beijing, a 12-year ban on fireworks sales was lifted - for the season - due to popular demand.

Customers crowd a shop in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong province, on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006.

Email your Chinese New Year celebration pictures to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk




SEE ALSO:
Chinese company wants 'dog' staff
04 Jan 06 |  Asia-Pacific
Asia heralds Year of the Rooster
09 Feb 05 |  Asia-Pacific
In pictures: Chinese New Year
09 Feb 05 |  In Pictures


RELATED BBC LINKS:


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific