Chinese New Year traditions have come roaring to life with lion dance performances on Shanghai's bustling thoroughfare, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.

Massive "dragons" bounced through the lanes to the beat of festive gongs and drums, signaling new beginnings as visitors reached out to touch the dragon heads for good luck.

The Huang Liansheng Awakening Lion Dance troupe delivered a stunning performance on plum blossom stakes, while the male lion delighted the audience with wishes for a year full of success.