New Year's Day is the first day of the year. People always do the New Year countdown together to celebrate the new beginning.

When China first started celebrating New Year's Day, most of its celebratory customs were similar to the Chinese New Year, or a scaled-down version of it. After all, New Year's Day is not a traditional holiday in China, and although some traditional ways of celebrating it are used, it does not occupy such an important place in people's minds. In modern times, celebrating New Year's Day is even simpler.

Many countries have made New Year's Day a legal holiday and take vacations on New Year's Day. So does China. It is stipulated that New Year's Day is a legal holiday with one day of vacation. At this time, people often go out to travel or have a small gathering with friends.

What is more common nowadays are activities organized by groups, such as New Year's Day carnivals, hanging slogans to celebrate New Year's Day, or holding group activities. In the past, some organizations beat drums and danced folk dances collectively, which can still be seen in television documentaries. There are few traditions on New Year's Day; even New Year's Day only means a day off for the younger generation.

(By Yang Jiming/Qi Qian)