Spring has already begun in China. At least according to the traditional Chinese calendar. 立春 (Lichun), the first of 24 sections of the solar calendar, began on Monday. Spring is welcomed in China by beating a „spring cow“ – fortunately, only a symbolic one made of clay or papier-mâché. It is said to guarantee a good harvest. Or people watch folk dances, like here at the Old Observatory in the Dongcheng district of Beijing.