A reveller writes the "Dragon" in traditional Chinese characters and 2012 with fireworks in Beijing on January 22, 2012. China is preparing to say goodbye to the New Year of the Rabbit and welcome the New Year of the Dragon -- which starts on January 23 -- with fireworks and dumplings, in the nation's most important annual, family holiday. AFP PHOTO / LIU JIN
An amateur artist breathes fire during celebrations for the Chinese Lunar New Year in Russia's Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk January 22, 2012. The Lunar New Year begins on January 23 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. REUTERS/Ilya Naymushin (RUSSIA - Tags: SOCIETY)