Spring Festival shopping is underway across the United States, with businesses in San Francisco’s Chinatown stocking up on festive products as people prepare to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the largest in the United States and the oldest in North America. Chinatown Kite Shop has been there for 52 years.
Albert Chang, aged 93, is the owner of the shop since 1972. He said the shop has specially prepared a variety of choices for the upcoming Chinese New Year.
"Well, Chinese New Year red envelopes. We got some Year of the Horse here. Behind you are the big ones, small ones," Chang introduced.
The store also made special designs to bring in the Pegasus-themed kites in anticipation of the Year of the Horse.
In San Francisco's Chinatown, there are also younger store owners, like Vincent Fung. Fung, who runs a store called Buddha Exquisite, said it's been a turbulent year for business. But he's very hopeful for what the Year of the Horse may bring.
"Horse is a good animal, I believe, because we have the saying called 'Ma Dao Gong Cheng', which is success in the Year of the Horse. For last year, it was snake -- it was a little animal that some people are offended by. But horse is a very, very good one, just like dragon and tiger. Those are the good products to sell especially for foreigners," Fung said.
With the Super Bowl being held in the San Francisco Bay area, Fung is hopeful for an influx of tourists who may be attracted by friendly-looking horse products.
Mexican Americans Joanna and Julissa Curiel are shopping for Year of the Horse items for their mother, who always gives them red packets during the Spring Festival. The sisters are also attracted by the Chinese culture and the beautiful souvenirs.
"I think that's the beautiful part, especially about the Bay Area. There're so many different cultures. You kind of get to learn from them," said Julissa Curiel.
As frequent international travelers, the Curiels said their first trip to China is definitely on the horizon, believing that learning about its traditions will help get them prepared.
Souvenirs featuring Year of Horse hit San Francisco's China town
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has "never been better" and is thriving under the National Security Law, with the legislation helping stabilize the city, according to Allen Zeman, chairman of the Lan Kwai Fong Group.
The High Court of the HKSAR on Monday sentenced former newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison, after considering his "serious and grave criminal conduct." Lai was found guilty on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and one charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The court ruled that Lai was "the mastermind and driving force behind these conspiracies."
Zeman spoke to China Global Television Network (CGTN) after the sentencing.
He stressed that Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity have improved since the law's introduction.
"I say that those people don't know what they're talking about, because I can say what I want up to a point. It's the same as most countries, you know, but you can't collude with a foreign government against your country, wherever that is. The National Security Law, I've read so many of them, and I can tell you it's not done. It's not allowed. It's a crime," he said.
"In Hong Kong, [it's] the same thing, we get behind one leader. We all work together. And the people's lives have gotten better and better. Hong Kong right now is thriving. Hong Kong has never been better at the moment. The National Security Law really helped Hong Kong to stabilize," said Zeman.
On Hong Kong's future, Zeman said the city will remain a global marketplace and a vital connector between the Chinese mainland and the world. He pointed to Hong Kong’s low tax base and strong financial infrastructure as key advantages.
"People trust Hong Kong. It has a low tax base, free flow of capital in and out. In most countries, it's not exactly like that. You know, there's restrictions and all that. In Hong Kong, you can have the money come in and out, low tax of 15 percent, one of the lowest taxes in the world as well. And that kind of gives Hong Kong the stability. And most companies who want to go into China set up their head office in Hong Kong. We have all the top banks in Hong Kong. Last year and this year again, we've had about almost 300 conventions and exhibitions in the Hong Kong convention center and from countries all over the world. Everybody comes here now, because they see it's really the marketplace of the world. I've been here a long time. It's always been good, but it's never been as good as it is now," said Zeman.
Zeman defends National Security Law after Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong
Zeman defends National Security Law after Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong
