“Get out or stock up… oh, and buy earplugs,” was the advice of a friend of mine as my first Spring Festival as a resident of China approached.
In my naivety I ignored her advice that year, but followed it strictly for the three following.
Unable to board a train or bus, crowded out of restaurants and local sights and kept awake all night by an incessant bombardment of firecrackers and fireworks, Chinese New Year, when celebrated in China, is by far the most all-encompassing festival I have ever witnessed, anywhere I have ever lived.
