Yesterday is the eighth day of the 12th lunar month on the traditional Chinese calendar. It's also the Laba Festival, which marks the official start of the Spring Festival. "La" in Chinese means the 12th lunar month and "ba" means eight.

This morning, many residents got up early to line up at Beijing's most famous roast duck restaurant Quanjude in the central city, waiting for a free bowl of steaming porridge as a part of their Laba festival celebration.

Beijing Resident, said, "Eating the steaming Laba porridge really warms my heart and I can feel a great festive atmosphere here."

"The porridge tastes great rich with flavors and is quite nutritious ingredients. I'm happy to be here celebrating with so many people."

"I live in the east Beijing and came here early on the bus. I've made the Laba porridge myself at home for my family, but it isn't as sweet-smelling as the restaurant's. Today, my purpose is to sample the porridge and learn how to make mine more delicious."