2016年CRI Countdown Ceremonies Held across China to Welcome 2016（在线收听）

In Beijing, the Imperial Ancestral Temple just outside the Forbidden City lit up with holiday decorations as people gathered together, held a countdown ceremony and said farewell to 2015. 

Meanwhile, Shanghai put on a dazzling performance on stage complete with LED lighting, in front of about 4,800 people at a local park. 

In the frosty city of Harbin, people congregated around an illuminated ice tower at the Ice and Snow World while fireworks lit up the night sky and a bell rang to usher in the New Year.

In Hong Kong, there was a huge firework party at the Victoria Harbor as usual, creating a joyful atmosphere for residents and tourists alike.

When the clock struck midnight, the Hong Kong Convention Center displayed the giant characters "2016" and New Year blessings in multiple languages.

According to the director, Mao Weicheng, the pattern of the firework symbolizes that 2016 will be a hopeful and dynamic year.

"We have designed heart-shape patterns and patterns of 160 smiling faces. In such a short time, the effect of the firework show will be spectacular."

The display of fireworks starts simultaneously over the 10 ships on the waters of the harbor and the tops of seven tall buildings along the harbor, lasting for 8 minutes.

"It's my first time come to the harbor to witness the firework show, I feel pretty excited. I wish the New Year can bring me something new and better."

"Of course, I 'm happy and excited about the new year."

Fireworks also set off in Taiwan at the Taipei 101, the tallest building of the city.

24,000 fireworks were set off for 238 seconds, brightening the skies of Taipei, and bringing happiness and New Year blessings to the people.

For CRI, this is Niu Honglin.