Various ways of celebrating Spring Festival

Diversified ways of celebrating the Spring Festival have emerged around China, from traditional options such as visiting temple fairs, to more modern ones including reading and exercising. 

In Beijing's Daguanyuan Garden, a literature-themed temple fair has attracted throngs of visitors.

In Beijing's Daguanyuan Garden, a literature-themed temple fair has attracted throngs of visitors. It features an re-enactment of the wedding ceremony and festive celebrations portrayed in the Qing-dynasty novel "Dream of the Red Mansion."

Local Beijingers have been bringing their children, thinking there won't be a better chance to get them hooked on the classic literature.

For some people, Spring Festival is not all about traveling around. They'd rather go to the bookstore and pick up something to read. The holiday offers precious moments of peace time that busy modern people enjoy.

"I am normally too busy with my work. So I think I can really use the holiday to get myself recharged by reading some books."

Many more Chinese opt for a healthier way of spending their holiday by doing sports.

In Beijing's Daguanyuan Garden, a literature-themed temple fair has attracted throngs of visitors.

"I believe swimming is much better than just gormandizing or playing mah-jong."

"I have eaten too much during the Spring Festival. Now I really need to get some exercise so I don't gain too much weight."

Another new option that has added some extra New Year's cheer for people is the Panda Carnival held in southwest China's Chengdu city. There, local folk artists also joined the panda models to delight visitors.