Chinese New Year's Eve 6/02/08

It's Chinese New Year's Eve in Xi'an and you could be forgiven for thinking it was WW3 - and it's only 6.30 pm! The sound of firecrackers is a constant cacaphony reminiscent of gunfire. (Not that I've ever really heard gunfire...) The sounds are coming from near and far, creating a surreal, multi-layered aural environment. More later...

Handmade dumplings - a traditional New year's food (but also loved any other time too!)

Typical New Year's festival dragon dance...