Asia celebrates Lunar New Year with joy and travel

Asia celebrates Lunar New Year with joy and travel
Asia celebrates Lunar New Year with joy and travel

Millions across Asia welcomed the Year of the Snake with traditional celebrations marking the Lunar New Year. China's Spring Festival brought eight consecutive public holidays, with massive population movements as people returned home for family reunions. Transport authorities expect 510 million train trips and 90 million air trips during this period.

Beijing's temples and parks were filled with celebrants despite freezing temperatures, while festive red decorations adorned buildings across East and Southeast Asia. In Taiwan, worshippers flocked to temples making traditional offerings, with some competing to light the first incense of the year. Bangkok's historic Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, celebrating its 154th anniversary, drew both locals and tourists for ceremonies.

South Korea faced travel disruptions due to heavy snowfall, with journey times between Seoul and Busan more than doubling. Despite weather challenges, Incheon International Airport anticipated record-breaking international travel, projecting over 2.1 million overseas-bound passengers between January 24 and February 2.

The celebrations reached beyond Earth as Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze sent New Year greetings from the Tiangong space station. Dressed in blue jumpsuits with traditional red patterns, they displayed paper-cut decorations featuring the character for good luck.

China's transport ministry expects approximately nine billion interprovincial passenger trips across all transport modes during the traditional 40-day holiday period. The festivities spread across major Asian cities, with Manila and Jakarta hosting lion dance parades, while communities in Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand joined in the regional celebrations.