Shandong's county reuses New Year's decorations

Lanling county – administered by Linyi city, in East China's Shandong province – is fostering the reuse of its festive decorations to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.

Decorations such as red lanterns, Chinese knots and traditional fu – good luck and fortune – characters can now be seen in the county's streets and alleys, presenting a festive and vibrant atmosphere.

"The Lanling government is taking the lead in reusing old decorations, which saves money and generates less waste," said Wang Chunhua, a local man.

Local officials say the new policy makes perfect sense on a number of levels.

"We officials must always be frugal in everything we do and be frugal everywhere," said Xu Qinfeng, director of Lanling's urban management bureau.

Statistics showed that the county has reused over 7,700 decorations for the Year of the Dragon, with the reuse rate exceeding 70 percent. (Edited by Chen Chuxuan)

Red lanterns are hung up high to add to the festive vibe. [Photo by Wang Chenghui and Wang Jun for chinadaily.com.cn]

Dirt on the old lanterns is wiped away carefully. [Photo by Wang Chenghui and Wang Jun for chinadaily.com.cn]