BEIJING, Jan. 20 -- As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, people around the world are celebrating the occasion by attending activities, watching performances and doing holiday shopping.

In Hekou Yao Autonomous County, China's Yunnan, at a cross-border Spring Festival gala held on Wednesday, artists from China and Vietnam brought cultural and artistic performances to the audience, celebrating the new year as well as the lasting friendship between people from the two countries.

In Singapore, locals and tourists are visiting the Chinatown to buy New Year's goods and clothes while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

In Tel Aviv, Israel, Chinese workers with the Tel Aviv light rail Red Line project celebrated the Spring Festival by enjoying a traditional Chinese banquet.

In Ratchaburi province, Thailand, at a Chinese New Year celebration event on Thursday, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his warm welcome to Chinese tourists.