Playing drums to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming new year is typical of Spring Festival celebrations in China. [Photo by Zhang Xingjian/chinadaily.com.cn]

Also, the typical dragon dance, where performers mimic a dragon's movements in a costume to bring good luck and fortune, stands out as a highlight of the celebration.

Dragon dances remain a must-see activity among Chinese New Year events in Chinatowns around the world, as dragons symbolize the ethnic identity of the Chinese people, who often refer to themselves as “descendants” of the mythical beasts.