People from five villages performed dancing, opera singing, standing comedy and even magic shows in a courtyard, which was completely packed with people despite the biting cold.

The gala in Dongdazhang Village began in 1950s and 60s, and has evolved from a local opera gathering to an annual variety show that attracts audience from nearby villages.

In the mountainous Sichuan Province, rural residents in Qishan Village were having a house-warming time just before the lunar new year.

The local government invested 550 million yuan last year to help 8,297 households living in dilapidated homes move into new homes.

"A new house and brand new furniture, I have dreamed about it all my life and now it has come true," said 70-year-old Chen Mingquan.

Fishermen in one of China's southernmost islands of Yongxing, Sansha City poured wine and laid out offerings at a port to worship their predecessors.

After midnight, the Year of Monkey begins. It's another year of hard work and expectation.