The Year of the Sheep is around the corner

How do you know the Chinese New Year is coming in Shanghai? Seeing various kinds of dry-cured meat hanged on bamboo rods along the streets! In the past time, meat was so precious that it would be cured for storage and not easily be indulged in until the Chinese New Year celebrations.  It might be a little terrified  while walking by these ducks, fishes, sausage, and pork, but it is a very typical scene of Chinese New Year in Shanghai that you would like to take pictures of. :)  

Based on the Chinese zodiac, 2015 is the Year of the Sheep (a.k.a the Goat or the Ram), the eighth sign of the 12-year cycle of animals. However, it's a pity that the iconic lantern festival at Yuyuan Garden has been temporarily cancelled this year due to the stampede at the Bund. :( Below are some photos taken two years ago during the Year of the Snake. We'd say it was too crowded to really enjoy the lantern exhibition. But "bustling" might be a very traditional way to experience the real Chinese New Year. :p  

The Chinese will also decorate red paper-cuts and couplets on windows and doors. "Fu (means good fortune)" is hanged on our B&B office door to bring all our guests a prosperous new year. :) In addition, we are also busy doing our annual maintenance, such as floor waxing, air-conditioner checking, painting make-up, to ensure that Quintet B&B is always a welcoming and comfortable place for tourists all over the world. 

Lastly, we wish you a happy Chinese New Year. :) If you happen to visit China this February, you may try to say "xin-nian-kuai-le" (happy new year) and "gong-xi-fa-cai" (wish you prosperity) to either taxi drivers or waiters whoever is still at work during the sweet family reunion time.