Chinese officials and Communist Party cadres have been warned against financial violations and extravagance in the name of New Year celebrations.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Ministry of Supervision have issued a circular, asking officials and cadres to be self-disciplined and practice frugality during the holiday season.

Party officials must not accept gifts in any form, said the circular, which offers a list of prohibited items and services that "could influence the fairness of official duty," such as attending banquets, and expenses-paid travels and entertainment.

The holiday season of 2011 starts from New Year's day and continues into the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, which falls on February 3.

The Chinese tradition of presenting gifts to family members and friends during the Lunar New Year has been extended to sending gifts to officials, which poses a challenge to the country's anti-corruption efforts.

The circular also warned officials to avoid extravagance, and prohibited them from spending sprees using public money for personal gains.

Instead, the limited public money and resources should be spent on developing the economy and improving people's livelihoods, it said.

Further, the circular told discipline inspection authorities at all levels to seriously crack down on any violations of the law and disciplines.