China celebrates the Year of the Dragon

Country marks most important holiday of the year, with Shaolin Kung Fu monks participating for first time.

China New year strongman performer in Beijing

Chinese communities around the world are celebrating the Chinese New Year, the most important holiday for many in Asia, with the theme of global integration.

The Year of the Dragon, is the most favourable and revered sign in the 12-year Chinese zodiac.

While it symbolises royalty, fortune and power, it also means movement of the earth, indicating a year of challenges for the country, say pundits.

But, the celebrations will not be dampened, with the country’s Shaolin Kung Fu monks, associated with the country’s growing vitality and power, participating in the festivities for the first time.

Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride reports from Hong Kong.

Source: Al Jazeera