Millions prepare to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year

Millions of people are preparing to celebrate Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, the most important annual holiday in much of Asia.

The new year begins on Sunday, when the new moon is seen in the sky.

In the Chinese zodiac, this year will be the year of the snake, taking over from the dragon of 2012.

In China, an estimated 200 million people are travelling to be with their families in what is considered the biggest mass human migration on Earth.

The authorities in Beijing are also asking people to limit the number of fireworks they set off, given the recent high levels of pollution.

The snake has a mixed reputation in China. It is associated with wisdom, beauty and intelligence but also pride and anger.

On Friday, vast crowds of people passed through China's railway stations, airports and bus stations on to crowded transport, many of them making journeys of thousands of miles, sometimes lasting several days.

Migrant workers in China often only have one holiday a year in which to visit their home towns, and will be taking the money they have saved back to their families.

Markets and shops have been selling red and gold decorations - colours considered lucky - for the past few weeks, bearing messages wishing good fortune and prosperity.

Traditional foods associated with long life or good luck are a key part of Lunar New Year festivities.