Chinese people around the world rang in the lunar New Year on January 26.

On this traditional occasion for family reunion, also known as the Spring Festival, people exchanged good wishes for a prosperous Year of the Ox.

Various entertainment activities, including temple fairs and fireworks shows, added to the festive climate throughout China.

Flower vendors in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are busy preparing for the Spring Festival shopping spree (LIU GUANGMING)

President Hu Jintao visits a rural family in Jinggangshan City, Jiangxi Province, helping to make tofu in the run-up to the Spring Festival (JU PENG)

Premier Wen Jiabao is greeted by ethnic Qiang people in Beichuan County, Sichuan Province, during his pre-Spring Festival visit to areas severely affected by an 8.0-magnitude earthquake in May 2008 (YAO DAWEI)