The demand for tickets was completely predictable, as 2.8 billion rail journeys are expected during the Chinese New Year holidays later this month.

ECONOMIST: China��s railways

Parents and relatives, especially during the Chinese New Year, all come to ask you whether you are getting married or if you have a boyfriend.

BBC: Q&A: Chinese dating consultant Zhou Xiaopeng

Global Times says the country's rapid development is "sounding a shrill alarm again" on pollution and backs public calls for a fireworks ban during the Chinese New Year next month.

BBC: China media: Pollution woes

China Central Television and The Beijing News report a return of moderate to severe air pollution in 74 cities due to bad weather and firework celebrations during the Chinese New Year holidays last week.

BBC: China media: Pollution strikes again

After a one-month quarantine, the pandas are expected to make their debut in Taiwan during the Chinese lunar new year.

CNN: China sends goodwill pandas to Taiwan

Beijing has launched a firework safety index during the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays that advises against setting off fireworks and firecrackers in poor weather conditions, China Daily reports.

BBC: China media: Pyongyang warned

Some members of the public joked about wearing masks and goggles to brave the incense fumes and smog to pray for blessings from the God of Wealth, an especially popular deity during Chinese New Year, the newspaper notes.

BBC: China media: Wukan frustration

The World Luxury Association, when it reported the Mainland spending plunge during the lunar new year period, stated that purchases by Chinese overseas rose 18%.

FORBES: Chinese Shunning Luxury Stores At Home, Buying Abroad

During Chinese New Year , in late January or early February, the streets are a feast of color and noise.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Travel Watch

Also, the Chinese New Year Holidays, which last about two to three weeks during the first quarter, will be over.

FORBES: Magazine Article