Students of a primary school try Chinese snacks in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, January 22, 2009. Chinese embassy in Cyprus held a festive Gala Thursday to celebrate the imminent Chinese Lunar New Year. [Xinhua]

Shopkeeper arranges fruits in preparation for the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival in Manila's Chinatown district on January 23, 2009. [Xinhua]

Local Filipino-Chinese buy decorations in preparation for the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival in Manila's Chinatown district on January 23, 2009. [Xinhua]