London Welcomes Year of the Dog

Traditional Chinese dragon dances are being performed in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London on February 18, which is part of the city's annual Chinese New Year celebrations.

London's Chinese New Year events have attracted around 700,000 people, making it the biggest celebration of the event outside of Asia.

The theme for the celebration this year is "Celebrating the Golden Era for UK-China Relations."

Thousands of people lined the streets of London to welcome the Year of the Dog at the European city's annual Chinese New Year celebration.

Traditional Chinese lion dances performed in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London on February 18. [Photo: China Plus/Liang Tao]

London's Chinese New Year events attracted around 700,000 people, making it the biggest celebration of the holiday outside of Asia.

Traditional Chinese dragon dances performed in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London on February 18. [Photo: China Plus/Liang Tao]

The theme for the celebration this year was "Celebrating the Golden Era for UK-China Relations".

Dancers and dragons joined a parade around Chinatown before performers took to the stage in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.

Local residents watch New Year performances at Trafalgar Square in London on February 18. [Photo: China Plus/Liang Tao]

The Dragon and Lion Dance may be one of the most well-known events during the Lunar New Year, seen as a bringer of good luck and prosperity to people.