The number of shoppers visiting Lunar New Year flower fairs in Hong Kong has declined sharply as anti-government protests continue.
People in Hong Kong traditionally buy flowers and good-luck decorations for the upcoming Lunar New Year at the fairs. Orange trees and goods of political parties and groups are among the popular items.
This year, the Hong Kong government has banned vendors from selling political goods at the fairs ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, which starts on Saturday.
The flower market in Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island, which is one of the largest, has had much fewer shoppers than usual.
A vendor said the number of customers has dropped 30 to 40 percent from last year and said that she is hoping for a peaceful and worry-free new year.
nhk
