Tianjin, China, February 3, 2008—Lanterns evoking the upcoming Beijing Olympics decorate the industrial port city of Tianjin for the Chinese New Year, which began on February 7.

Year of the Rat celebrations have been hampered by China's worst winter storms in 50 years (see photos).

About 80 people have died in heavy snows, and millions of holiday travelers—mostly migrant workers—were stranded due to disrupted transport systems. Chinese officials estimate losses to agriculture and the economy at about 7.5 billion U.S. dollars, the Associated Press reported.

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