Edited by Frederik Schipper
Hong Kong – February 8 – IJS-Global – A new year, new chances. In other words, will the current financial crisis keep holding China in a chokehold in the Year of the Ox or is the solution nearby?
A colourful sight at the entrance of the Tian He flower fair in Guang Zhou City, on January 23. Photo: Bridget Zhang
Speaking of a new year related to the financial crisis, how did people all over China celebrated the Spring Holidays? Did they cut on their spendings as a result of the financial tsunami? Or was it business as usual?
In order to find answers on these questions and more, graduate students from The School of Communication of Hong Kong Baptist University report on Lunar New Year festivities all over China.
Economics:
- In Wuxi, trishaw drivers were unable to go back home for the Spring Festival, reports Steven Shi.
- In Xin Hui, Guangdong, an old lady spends the Holidays lonely and bored in the nursing home she’s living in, reports Tiara Lin.
- Back in Hong Kong, people are worried about the financial crisis but they have good hopes that the Year of the Ox will be better, reports Thein Win Nyo.
- All over China, the so-called “Me Generation” are experiencing setbacks in their life for the first time, reports Jin Ran Cherry.
- In Shenzhen, restaurants aren’t hurt by the financial crisis regarding dinner reservations for the Lunar New Year’s Eve, Alice Li Yuan reports.
Traditions:
- In Hong Kong, non-local students experience the traditional Lunar New Year festivities, Yvonne Yang reports.
- In the town of Guangzhou, five flower markets opened in five different districts, Bridget Zhang reports.
- Over in Ningbo, the famous dessert Tang Yuan is a vital part of the New Year’s dinner, Sara Chen reports.
Sports:
- Meanwhile, back in Hong Kong the traditional Lunar New Year football tournament, won by local side South China Pegasus, wasn’t influenced by the financial crisis, Frederik Schipper reports.
