Xin Nian Kuai Le! This week I'm going to give you a break from my running commentary on life in China, with a Chinese New Year colour fest instead! The Year of the Sheep is well and truly underway and up north here in Xi'an the auspicious occasion has been marked with vigor! We were just in time (before the two week holiday comes to an end) to see this spectacle of lanterns and lights on display around the ancient wall that surrounds the city's centre. We saw them working on these magical pieces back in December last year, and with the number on parade and the intricate detail given to each, you can only imagine the sheer people-power required. They say Chinese New Year without lanterns is like a house with no light. These illuminated and elaborate decorations stem back thousands of years and symbolise the wish for a bright future.  I'll stop now and let the pretty pics do the talking....... (Psst, one more thing, if you're on a mobile, I'd seriously try to get on a computer to look at these.)   Impressive huh? Of course the photos don't do the extravaganza justice, but hopefully you get the picture! A taste of Chinese New Year in Xi'an..... This is China.     … [Read more...]