Visiting a flower market in one of China's cities is a fun thing to do no matter what time of year; but it's especially delightful during Chinese New Year. While I do love the scent of a real evergreen during Christmas, Chinese culture has so many traditional and colorful plants to choose from, it makes our old tree seem boring.

This year, we visited Shanghai's Caojiadu Flower Market before Chinese New Year to check out the offerings. It was difficult not to walk out with a truck full of orchids and lucky bamboo, but we resisted.

Have a look to see what flowers and plants are traditional to give and get during Chinese New Year.

Details:

• See Chinese New Year Flowers
• Caojiadu Flower Market 1148 Changshou Road, near Wanhangdu Road | 长寿路1148号，近万航渡路 | open daily early until 6pm

Photos: flowers and arrangements at the Caojiadu market before Chinese New Year. © 2012 Sara Naumann, licensed to About.com.

The New Year is upon us. While you may be having a relaxing, normal Sunday afternoon wherever you are, in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and in Chinese communities all over Asia and around the World, the Year of the Dragon is coming its way.

Dragons are no ordinary creatures in China (are they anywhere?) - and they're auspicious creatures. Unlike evil, treasure-hording winged lizards in European lore, Chinese dragons can be fierce but they also bring good luck. They must be appeased but they are ultimately good. In ancient times, only the emperor of China had the right to wear a dragon symbol on clothing. Today, dragons adorn everything from porcelain to roof decorations.

People born under the dragon sign are thought to be particularly successful so folks in China are expecting a significant spike in the birth rate after January 23.

Tonight in mainland China people will be heading home to be with their families, eat copious amounts of food and stay up late in the night talking, drinking and playing games. At around midnight the firecrackers will start and last for about an hour. The noise will be deafening and I'm trying to figure out how to sound-proof my kids' windows for the night (a little too late for that...)

Wherever you are in the world,

Happy New Year! May the Dragon bring you and your loved ones good fortune! 新年快乐！

Photos: Dragon lanterns ready at Shanghai's Yu Gardens. © 2012 Sara Naumann, licensed to About.com.

On one of the only non-rainy days this week, the kids and I went to the Yu Garden Bazaar in the old part of Shanghai yesterday to see if the lanterns are up and pick up some New Year decorations. There was plenty going on and I thought you'd enjoy seeing New Year preparation and excitement in the city.

We went to the street where they sell decorations and found stuffed dragons of every shape and size as well as the typical red lanterns and paper decorations to put on doors and windows. New Year treats were for sale and we passed, reluctantly on candied fruit, known as bing tang hu lu. (It looks better than it tastes...)

Photos: © 2012 Sara Naumann, licensed to About.com.

You might be traveling in China over the holidays and have a few questions about being here during these busy travel times. Here are some answers to common questions about travel during Chinese New Year. The good news is that things don't just shut down over the holidays. Lots of little shops and restaurants will be closed for a day or two around January 22-24 (New Year's Day is the 23rd), but most everything else will be up and running. The only real problem I can see you having is trying to get to sleep at a decent time on New Year's Eve. The sound of firecrackers will be deafening!

Photo: Year of the Dragon decor at a Shanghai shopping mall. © 2012 Sara Naumann, licensed to About.com.