Welcoming the Year of the Dragon
People prepare days ahead for Chinese New Year, to ensure successful celebrations to mark this most important annual festival.
Flower power: Mong Kok's Flower Street is packed with shoppers searching for the perfect blooms to decorate their homes.
Dragon deals: Students try their luck in business at the Lunar New Year fair at Victoria Park.
De-light-ful display: Colourful lanterns with a dragon theme are on show in the Cultural Centre Piazza.
Festive spree: Chief Executive Donald Tsang and his wife visit the Lunar New Year fair at Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground in Yuen Long.
Global gala: The 2012 International Chinese New Year Night Parade is held in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of Chinese New Year...
...and this year Shaolin monks join the parade...
...and the stilt walkers return...
...but the dragon lords over them all.
Timely tradition: The owner and staff of a dried seafood shop in Sheung Wan enjoy a traditional lunch on the second day of Chinese New Year.
Picturesque pyrotechnics: The Lunar New Year fireworks display is held above Victoria Harbour to welcome the Year of the Dragon.
Propitious turn: People flock to Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin on the third day of Chinese New Year to spin the Wheel of Fortune to dispel bad luck and encourage good fortune.
Lucky toss-up: People visit the fabled Wishing Tree in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po on the third day of Chinese New Year...
...and this little girl wishes for good grades in school, and Mom and Dad's good health.
