Fireworks mark start of Year of the Snake

2013-02-10 02:23:25 GMT2013-02-10 10:23:25(Beijing Time)

Fireworks paint the skyline at the Chinese Lunar New Year Eve over Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, on Feb 9, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

A man runs away after setting up fireworks as part of Chinese new year celebrations in Beijing Feb 9, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Fireworks light up the skyline of Beijing as residents celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year Feb 9, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

A man watches as fireworks light up the skyline of Shanghai in celebration of Chinese New Year in Shanghai early Feb 10, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Residents watch after setting up fireworks as part of Chinese new year celebrations, in central Beijing early Feb 10, 2013. The Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, begins on Feb 10 this year and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. [Photo/Agencies]

The Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, begins on Feb 10 this year and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac.