Chinese New Year in Moscow (PHOTOS)
Dragons and pandas have taken up residence in the Russian capital for two weeks and city blocks have been decorated with bright lanterns and garlands. Moscow is joining in on the Chinese New Year celebrations!
This multi-day festival, dedicated to the spring season, is being held for the third time. Manezhnaya Square downtown is the main venue.
A large red and gold dragon has taken up residence on the New Year's tree for the occasion.
Nearby stands the symbol of the year according to the lunar calendar – the red fire horse, ‘Jixiangma’, or the horse of good omen.
And, of course, there's a figure of China's most famous bear – the charming panda!
This year, performers from China will also be attending the festival, introducing traditional opera, folk dance, martial arts and street theater performances.
You can also send a letter to a friend or colleague in China with Manezhnaya's ‘Magic Mail’.
The Aptekarsky Ogorod (Apothecary Garden), meanwhile, kicked off Chinese New Year celebrations early, with visitors having to wait in line to see tropical plants in a festive setting.
A gallery featuring Chinese lanterns has also opened on Povarskaya Street.
And a themed train has been launched on the Moscow subway to celebrate the holiday!
