Many residents and tourists took to the street and scenic spots to usher in the New Year despite abnormally cold weather.

On Saturday, New Year's Day, hundreds of thousands of people visited parks and other tourist attractions, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported.

Business turnover in Dongmen Pedestrian Street hit 200 million yuan (US$24 million), the highest in five years. A total of 800,000 visitors went to the busy shopping area, where a hip-hop contest was also held, attracting 16 teams including groups from Shanghai, Wuhan and Hong Kong.

A mass wedding involving 148 couples was staged at the China Folk Culture Villages. At Lotus Hill, 85 couples took part in another mass wedding, but hot air balloons carrying brides and bridegrooms were kept on the ground by strong winds. However, a couple standing in a hot air balloon basket was still featured on front pages, smiling and waving. Lan Xiaoke

Editor: Catherine