China is an ancient nation in Eurasia, whose unique culture and civilization have evolved over thousands of years. One aspect of this culture is China's concept of the New Year. Whether rich or poor, eastern or western, life cannot be devoid of the enjoyment of elegance. The paintings and posters presented in this volume show the interests of the Chinese people. They are very particular about the Spring Festival celebrations; for every family it is a must to set off fire crackers, paste New Year couplets, glue paper-cuts for window decorations, and put up the Festival painting.

With the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic on October 1, 2009, China has presented a new face to the world. Over the past 60 years, Chinese society has undergone significantchanges that are clearly reflected in literature, painting, film, drama and other literary and artistic works. In China, both the rich and the poor, the elite and the working class all celebrate the Spring Festival. Paintings depicting Spring Festival entertainments are one of the most popular and inexpensive consumables of the season. Before TV sets and internet became as popular as today, Chinese New Year paintings (including publicity paintings) were one of the most direct and biggest media for observations of China, which were able to reach millions of households throughout the country. This book is composed of 200 carefully chosen Chinese New Year paintings from 1949 on, and is divided into three time periods: 1949-1965, 1966-1978, and 1979-2009. These paintings tell of the major events in China from different perspectives and in different periods over the past 60 years. including politics, the economy, urbanization, industrial and agricultural production, folk customs and more. In doing so. they objectively reflect the extraordinary process of China's development and growth.

I 1949-1965

II 1966-1978

III 1979-2009