STRIKING IMAGES OF EVENTS IN ASIA

Entertainers perform a dragon dance to welcome in the New Year in Shenyang, north-east China. The Year of the Dog begins on 29 January.

Back a bit… waiters pour from long-spouted teapots at an international tea convention in Hangzhou, south-east China.

A headdress of musical scores is accompanied by piano-key prints on gloves and dress at a fashion show in Shanghai, China.

Enter the statue… Professor Cao Chong-En sculpts Bruce Lee’s frame into shape in time for celebrations in Hong Kong marking the late martial arts legend’s 65th birthday in November.

Anantasamakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, lit up to celebrate the King’s birthday on 5 December.

Reflections in a changing world. A cyclist and cycle-rickshaw pedal past Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. A planned railroad could bring more crowds to the remote capital.

Tthe Magic Kingdom plants a flag in the Middle Kingdom, as Hong Kong Disneyland opens.

Aa dragon lantern at the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong. As well as taking lanterns to high points like the Peak, locals eat “moon cakes”, special sweet cakes made with lotus and sesame seed paste.

Feeding time at the monkey festival in Lopburi, central Thailand. More than 2,000 macaques live in the city.

Mascots of giant pandas get married in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Zoo officials are hoping that this might be an auspicious start to the mating season.

Jockeys race to the finish line at the annual festival of buffalo races in Chonburi, south-east of Bangkok. The fastest over 110m wins 3,000 baht ($75).