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Chinese Year Of The Rabbit Preparations Underway For Lunar New Year (PHOTOS)

Gorgeous Preparation's For China's 'Year Of The Rabbit' Celebrations
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Proud Chinese didn't let irregular weather concerns get in the way of their Lunar New Year preparations, with festive decorations seen going up in shopping centers in Shanghai and Beijing as well as throughout outlying cities across the country and throughout much of Asia.

In the 12-year lunar calendar cycle, 2011 marks the "Year of the Rabbit," and many are taking a literal approach to the festivities. In Hong Kong, young children donned bunny costumes in pink and white, while golden rabbits are among the many spirited items on sale in downtown Manila.

According to the Associated Press, about 230 million people are expected to travel during the Lunar New Year holiday season, which runs through the end of February.

See spectacular photos of the Lunar New Year preparations here:

Chinese New Year Preparations
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Children take part in an early Chinese New Year performance at a shopping mall in Hong Kong. (credit:Getty)
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Children take part in an early Chinese New Year performance at a shopping mall in Hong Kong. (credit:Getty)
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Children take part in an early Chinese New Year performance at a shopping mall in Hong Kong. (credit:Getty)
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A woman walks past a cherry blossom tree sold as a Lunar New Year decoration in a major shopping street in Shanghai. (credit:Getty)
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A man walks out of a shop selling Lunar New Year decorations in a major shopping street in Shanghai. (credit:Getty)
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A man smoking a cigarette checks a cherry blossom tree sold as a Lunar New Year decoration in a major shopping street in Shanghai. (credit:Getty)
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The 'Year of the Rabbit' in the lunar calendar begins in China on Feb. 3. (credit:Getty)
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A woman walks out of a shop selling Lunar New Year decorations. (credit:Getty)
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A vendor awaits customers on January 21, 2011 in Beijing behind a display of hanging ornaments for Chinese New Year decorations ahead of the Year of the Rabbit. (credit:Getty)
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A man carries a red lantern to be hung from buildings in Beijing. (credit:Getty)
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The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, following the Rat, Ox and Tiger and before the Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. (credit:Getty)
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A vendor arranges rabbit figurines in Chinatown ahead of the Chinese New Year in Manila. (credit:Getty)

Watch a video on the preparations:

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