A reveller writes the "Dragon" in traditional Chinese characters and 2012 with fireworks in Beijing, on January 22. China is preparing to say goodbye to the New Year of the Rabbit and welcome the New Year of the Dragon -- which starts on January 23 -- with fireworks and dumplings, in the nation's most important annual, family holiday.
Performers take part in a dragon dance in a night parade in Hong Kong Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, celebrating the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year. According to the Chinese zodiac, the year 2012 is called the Year of the Dragon.
A traditional dance troupe performs during Chinese New Year celebrations in New York's Chinatown January 23, 2012
A performer reaches out for the gift being dangled from a supermarket during dragon and lion dance performance in celebration of the Chinese New Year at Manila's Chinatown district Monday Jan. 23, 2012 in the Philippines. This year is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar.
A woman prays as part of Chinese new year celebrations at the Old City God Temple in Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai January 22, 2012. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on January 23 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac.
A worker lights giant joss sticks on the Chinese New Year's Eve at Kuan Yin Temple in Klang, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, late Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012.
Divers perform a dragon dance during an event to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year at an aquarium in Beijing, January 5, 2012. The Lunar New Year begins on January 23 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. Picture taken through a glass wall.
Migrant workers have an annual meal at a local construction site in Chengdu, Sichuan province January 9, 2012. More than 1,400 migrant workers took part in the annual meal to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on January 23 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. Picture taken January 9, 2012.
How's that to begin this year of Dragon with the compilation of 2012 Chinese New Year Celebration - The Dragon Dance also on the set.