And in Malaysia, Spring Festival is being celebrated with festive decorations and activities in peoples' homes and outside. Rian Maelzer has more.

RIAN MAELZER Kuala Lumpur "Around a quarter of Malaysia's population are of ethnic Chinese origin so there is plenty of lunar new year colour and festivities in Kuala Lumpur and around the country."

Families hold reunion dinners and companies hold luncheons for their clients and staff. A special regional feature is what's known as yee sang, or the prosperity toss, consisting of a mixture of shredded vegetables and seafood.

Mandarin oranges and lavish hampers are popular gifts. Kuala Lumpur's shopping malls try to outdo each other with the imaginativeness of their decorations. People flock to Chinatown to buy their favourite Lunar New Year treats.

There are plenty of lion dance performances, including something Malaysian troupes excel in – the acrobatic lion dance, with performers bounding across high pillars.

The dragon dance is normally performed less often in Malaysia, but with this being the year of the dragon, troupes are putting on some special displays, thrilling audiences of all races.

MENG NA Chinese PhD Candidate "I think it's perfect. I'm thrilled. There's a festive ambiance. We don't feel lonely even though we are out of China. I think people like Chinese culture. Everyone is happy."

ARNE RAJCHOWSKI German Tourist "It's impressive, really. Stayed days before in Singapore and this is more impressive. It's pretty cool."

KERRY HERBERT New Zealand Tourist "It's very vibrant. Today's our first day in Kuala Lumpur. It's very impressive."

RIAN MAELZER Kuala Lumpur "This time of year is clearly special not only for ethnic Chinese and other Malaysians but for people around the world keen to take in the sights and sounds and tastes of the Lunar New Year festivities in Malaysia. Rian Maelzer, CGTN, KL."