Joys and amazement accompany online celebrations of Chinese New Year

World leaders have also taken the opportunity to extend their wishes to the Chinese people.

On Wednesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a video, which started with the Mandarin Chinese "Chun Jie Kuai Le! (Happy Spring Festival!)"

"This year is the Year of the Ox -- the same sign as the year of my birth," he said, adding "the ox symbolizes energy, strength, and courage. These qualities are what the world needs now."