As the Spring Festival approaches, the new year atmosphere is getting stronger all over the country. People in the coastal city of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, are busy shopping for the big event and for family reunions.

People browse Chinese Lunar New Year decorations at a market in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, on Feb 7. [Photo/IC]

As the Spring Festival approaches, the new year atmosphere is getting stronger all over the country. [Photo/IC]

Chinese knots, red lanterns, and images like the Chinese character "Fu" (meaning "fortune") are staples of the Spring Festival. [Photo/IC]