Sunday marks the "Start of Spring", or Lichun, on the Chinese traditional lunar calendar. It's the first of the 24 solar terms, the 15-day periods which make up the year.

Many people in the countryside near Beijing whipped cows to drive out their winter laziness, and greeted each other with clay sculptures of cows. The traditions date back thousands of years, when cows signified a good harvest. Other customs include eating radishes, spring pies and spring rolls. The crisp sound of biting into the food was thought to bring good fortune in the coming New Year. And it's time to make resolutions.