At a local bazaar in Baotou, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, people buy red lanterns, couplets and nuts on Feb 3 to prepare for the upcoming Spring Festival, which is China's most important holiday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

People select paper-cuttings for window decorations at the local bazaar in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, on Feb 3. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

People select red lanterns, in preparation for the upcoming Spring Festival, Feb 3. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

With the Spring Festival approaching, the street and lanes in Baotou are starting to look more festive, with holiday-themed decorations added. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]