Lunar New Year is a time for celebration, but it’s also a chance to help boost spending all over China. CNN interviews Beijing festival-goers about their hopes and fears for what the Year of the Snake could bring for the country’s beleaguered economy.

Wisps and clouds of smoke rose into the air at Buddhist and Daoist temples around Asia on Wednesday as people lit incense to pray for good luck in the Year of the Snake.

Communities across the world begin celebrating Lunar New Year on Jan. 29 — and 2025 marks the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers marked the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield on Wednesday.

Lunar New Year is one of the biggest celebrations of the year for those of Asian heritage, involving family gatherings, lion dances, fireworks and for children, the exchange of red envelopes stuffed with cash.

Millions of people across Asia and the world are welcoming the Lunar New Year which coincides with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. Widely considered to be the most important event in the year for many in Asia and some Asian communities worldwide, the Lunar New Year represents a fresh start for those who celebrate.

Among China’s traditional holidays and celebrations, none ranks higher in importance than the Lunar New Year (農曆新年). Also known as the Spring Festival (春節), or simply Chinese New Year, it marks the beginning of the year according to the traditional lunar calendar.

Firecrackers echoed through the streets, temple incense filled the air, and dancers and drummers paraded as millions across Asia and beyond celebrated the Lunar

Asian American communities around the U.S. and around the world are ringing in the Year of the Snake Wednesday, including in New York City. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival,

Locals in Beijing continued to enjoy on Friday the celebrations of the Lunar New Year at the temple fair. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated from Jan. 28 until Feb. 3,

ATRenew, China’s largest platform for pre-owned electronics, is offering trade-in incentives to coincide with the Lunar New Year holiday.