A click on the mouse and your New Year greetings can be sent to friends on the other side of the planet.

Chinese people have found new ways to say "Happy New Year" besides the traditional cards and calendars.

A concept rarely heard of two years ago, the electronic card -- or e-card -- is now capturing the hearts of many citizens in China, with college students and white-collar net buffs leading the way.

This week, about 30,000 people sent e-cards on www.263.net every day.

More than 12,000 websites in China have been offering free e-card services since the beginning of December.

The www.163.net website has sent e-mails to more than 1 million cyber citizens informing them of its e-card service.

It is not just that an e-card can convey a new lifestyle which can easily win the hearts of fashion-leaders among the urban young.

"E-cards have become the new lover of Chinese youth this year instead of traditional cards because of their quick delivery, low cost and more customized service," said Qin Yi of the China National Networks Information Center.

However, e-cards can't completely take the place of cards sent in the post. "It feels different to receive a postcard with your friend's manuscript on," said one Beijing resident.

Cards are more expensive this year, and a valentine's card edged with silk-made roses can cost up to 100 yuan (US$12).

(China Daily 12/15/2000)