Visitors select flowers at the Chinese New Year Market in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park yesterday, as 14 such markets opened across the city. The openings coincided with Xiao Nian, or Little New Year, which fell this year on Feb. 11 in southern China. Celebrated about a week before the Lunar New Year, Xiao Nian is observed on the 23rd day of the final lunar month in northern China and on the 24th in southern China. Also known as the Festival of the Kitchen God — who is believed to report on each household’s conduct — the day involves traditions like thorough cleaning, putting up window decorations, taking baths, getting haircuts, and buying provisions for the upcoming Spring Festival.China News Service