The Great Wall of China is not visible from the Moon, but new year fireworks can certainly be seen from a plane. Celebration of the arrival of the Year of the Ox at midnight was no exception.
The roar of firecrackers builds to a crescendo that rivals any artillery barrage. Undeterred by the 
cold, people take delight in exploding countless bundles that erupt with ear-splitting blasts. City streets are blanketed in red wrappers, the air is thick and acrid with dynamite dust and hospital emergency rooms are on standby for the injured. By tradition, the noise is supposed to frighten off evil spirits.
Other than the din of dynamite, the evening revolves around food and television. Families feast on fish – the Chinese word is a homonym for plenty – and dozens of the crescent dumplings that symbolise family reunion. And over the dinner table everyone watches the Spring Festival Gala.
The four-and-a-half-hour television variety marathon is an extravaganza of girls decked in sequins and false eye lashes, heroic army singers, stand-up comedians, pop stars, folk singers and heroes of the year. This year survivors of the Sichuan earthquake last May and Olympians were joined by the Taiwan heart-throb Jay Chou whose rap performance was a highlight for the audience of one billion for the most-watched show on Earth.
Superstitions are numerous A haircut is de rigueur since using scissors at the start of the year could "cut off" ill fortune. And it is bad luck to wash your hair on new year's day because this could wash away good luck. A Chinese colleague washed her reluctant cat to ensure that the whole family was clean for the Year of the Ox. Everyone wears some red – the colour of happiness and prosperity.
I was among millions to receive a text from the Beijing city government reminding that fireworks are allowed for the 24 hours of new year's day, but then only between 7am and midnight until the final, and 15th, day of the festival. Most will ignore the notice and sleep will have to wait until day 16 of the Ox Year.
Jay Chou may have been the highlight for you, Jane but certainly not for the rest of the country. His little play-mate spinning on his head wearing a bicycle helmet stole that particular act.