On Chinese New Year, open-air markets sell flowers, toys, clothing, and fireworks.
These seasonal markets are a familiar part of New Year preparations, especially in Chinese communities across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Families visit them to buy decorations, gifts, festive foods, flowers, and symbolic items before the holiday begins.
Flowers are especially important because blossoms and potted plants represent renewal, prosperity, and good fortune. In southern Chinese communities, popular purchases may include narcissus, peach blossoms, orchids, and kumquat trees. Fireworks and firecrackers traditionally help drive away evil spirits, although many cities restrict them because of fire, injury, and air-pollution risks.
The markets should not be confused with temples, which are religious sites that people may visit during the festival. They also differ from permanent shopping centres: many New Year markets are temporary bazaars that appear for the weeks or days leading up to the holiday and close afterward.