It's crazy to think just a few years ago I was a newbie in Shanghai experiencing my very first Chinese New Year. While I missed a lot of the fireworks this time- the Chinese still know how to get crazy with the celebrations and rituals. Here are a few of my favorites. Happy Year of the Mouse!!
Red Underwear. It's lucky to wear red underwear during chinese new year. What's funny to me is that all the ones you see hanging out to dry on all the lines are these giant red cotton panties. You'd think if you're trying to get lucky, they'd be a little sexier.
This is something I just learned- last year was Year of the Pig- so here, is last years pig welcoming the mouse. That's pretty nice of the Pig.
Gold Coins- are a symbol of luck and good fortune for the coming year. Here is the mouse bringing good fortune to everyone
The center of the celebration in Shanghai happens at YuYuan Gardens- which aren't really gardens but a huge market. The bridge behind me has 7 corners in it that zigzag to a very old and famous tea house. The bridge zigzags so that no evil spirits can follow you because it's believe that evil can follow you in a straight line.
And what would the center of any large touristy celebration be with Starbucks. Shanghai style!
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