Ushering in a very special New Year

Hu Zheming usually extends New Year greetings to his family at their home. This year, however, the 12-year-old went to the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing, enjoying an extra special Chinese New Year with his parents in the historic surrounds of the park's traditional architecture.

"I wish my mom and dad good health. As for myself, I hope to make progress in my studies in the Year of the Tiger," the elementary school pupil said on the steps leading up to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest on Tuesday, the first day of the Lunar New Year.

The youngster added that he's a big fan of the hall, which was built in 1420 and used by emperors to pray for good harvests during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Holding a handwritten Chinese character, Fu, meaning blessing and luck, from Wu Weishan, curator of the National Art Museum of China, Liu Yaling, another visitor at the temple, could not hide her excitement.

"I came here to pray for good luck, but I never thought I would meet Wu and a few other artists who sent wishes here, let alone receive such a beautiful calligraphy work from them," said Liu, 58. "I hope everything goes well this year, and what I most want is to see my son, who is in his 30s, have his own family as soon as possible and live a happy life."

In response to epidemic-prevention measures, some migrants workers chose to stay in Beijing to celebrate the Spring Festival holiday. Han Shaoqing, from Yangquan, Shanxi province, was one of them.

The 35-year-old, wearing traditional Chinese costume, relished the celebrations at the Temple of Heaven.

"The sense of ceremony for this significant festival is still a must," she said.

"My husband will take photos for me at this beautiful temple to record our holiday. I wish my family happiness and our motherland prosperity."

The visitors also expressed their best wishes for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, which start on Friday, as well as taking pictures with Olympic-themed installations at the temple.

Besides watching the competitions, journalists from home and abroad will be able to take in some of Beijing's famous sights, with organizers laying on trips to the city's Central Axis-the backbone of the capital that includes the Forbidden City-as well as Energy Valley in Changping district.