Bidding Adieu To Strict Zero-Covid Policy, China Ushers In Year Of The Water Rabbit | See Pics

The previous few Lunar New Year's were very low-key events, with many people staying home out of dread of the virus or because of lockdowns, quarantines, or other onerous regulations.

People light incense sticks in a cauldron before performing prayers for good fortune at Yonghegong, or the Lama Temple, for the Chinese Lunar New Year

More than a billion people in China and Asia are celebrating the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, today, January 22. (Image Source: Getty)

After the government dropped its strict "zero-COVID" policy, residents in China celebrated the Lunar New Year with large family reunions and crowds visiting temples, marking the most joyful celebration since the pandemic began three years ago. (Image Source: Getty)

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, several worshippers offered morning prayers at the Lama Temple in Beijing. (Image Source: Getty)

When the coronavirus spread widely in early 2020 from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, local and provincial administrations acted quickly to lock down tens of millions of people. Many people have been stopped from going due to fear of the virus or lockdowns, quarantines, or other onerous measures in recent Lunar New Years. (Image Source: Getty)

The most important festival in the Chinese calendar has a new feel this year. It comes just weeks after the government eased its draconian Covid-19 limits in response to economic hardship and massive public anger. (Image Source: Getty)

Because of the relaxation of COVID limitations, many people will be able to make their first trip back to their hometowns to reconcile with their relatives. (Image Source: Getty)

Residents and visitors alike crowded the pedestrian streets of the Qianmen district near Tiananmen Square. (Image Source: Getty)

On January 23, in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Chinese-Indonesians celebrate the Chinese New Year by going to a temple. Southeast Asian overseas Chinese are currently celebrating the Lunar New Year after COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed. During this time, it is customary for people to visit family members and take part in holiday celebrations. On January 22, ethnic Chinese families in Indonesia observed the Year of the Rabbit by going to temples. (Image Source: Getty)

Participants in a procession with floats, costumes, and lion dances at the Chinese New Year festivities in London, which celebrate the year of the rabbit. (Image Source: Getty)

In Fuyang, Anhui Province of China, folk artists perform a dragon dance to commemorate Spring Festival on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year. (Image Source: Getty)

Chinese street performers dressed as bunnies march down the street as part of the traditional shehuo procession for the Spring Festival in Huaibei, Anhui Province. (Image Source: Getty)