Flower Markets Packed with Visitors
Guangzhou's Flower Markets, an integral part of the Spring Festival, opened this morning. Visiting the flower markets to buy trees and flowers symbolizing auspices is a long dated tradition for Guangzhou citizens. All 10 flower markets opened this morning throughout the city and are already attracting many visitors. Our journalist Lilian has more:
The Xihu market near Beijing Road was packed with visitors soon after its opening. A lady happily said:I buy a variety of different plants, as long they are auspicious.A shop owner was selecting flowers to decorate his store: floors are expected to bring over good luck for the New Year. I use the flowers to decorate my shop, creating a nice atmosphere for my buyers.
A the same time, Cantonese opera will be staged to add to the festive atmosphere. The organizer told us that: we have opera shows from about 11:30 am until 4:30 pm. It's good for promoting Cantonese opera amongst the public.

(Photo from Southen.com)

Strong Cold front Hits Guangdong Today
Tomorrow (Jan 24), Guangzhou's lowest temperatures are expected to drop to low as 5 degrees as a strong cold front begins to affect Guangdong. Temperatures will drop considerably throughout the province, and drizzle with snow is expected in the mountains in northern Guangdong. The chilly weather is expected to last 3 days.

GD's Per Capita GDP in 2008 Exceeding 5000 US Dollars
The Guangdong Bureau of Statistics announced yesterday that Guangdong's GDP for 2008 is over 3.5 trillion Yuan; bringing the regional GDP per capita to over 5000 US Dollars, a level that Guangdong was only scheduled to reach in two years time. The annual growth rate last year was of 10.1%.

Canton Fair to Apply New Measure to Retain Growth Rate in Exports
A Canton Fair spokesman revealed that the upcoming 105th Canton Fair will be held from April 15th to May 7th in the Guangzhou Pazhou Exhibition Complex. Once again, the fair will be held in three stages. What's more, a series of new measures including extending exhibition hours and lowering booth rents will be set-up to maintain a stable growth rate in exports.