A Chinese boy talks to a girl in front of a department store decorated with the Chinese character 'Fu' and doll mascots in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province, January 23, 2006. 'Fu' is one of the most popular Chinese characters used in Chinese Lunar New Year, symbolising blessing, good fortune and good luck. Chinese Lunar New Year falls on January 29 this year.

Chinese students enjoy themselves in a boat in Qinhuaihe River in Nanjing, China's Jiangsu province, January 23, 2006. The river is decorated with various lamps on its banks to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on January 29.

A giant Chinese character 'Fu' hangs on a department store in Sanmenxia, central China's Henan Province January 23, 2006.

Citizens shop for decorations for the Spring Festival in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province.

(China Daily January 24, 2006)