Many of Macao's cultural attractions will maintain opening hours during the Chinese New Year, from January 22nd to January 25th, holding a series of activities in celebration of the Spring Festival. These sites include the Macao Museum, the Mandarin's House, Lou Kao Mansion, Tap Seac Gallery, Mount Fortress Corridor, Ye Ting's House, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Tak Seng On Traditional Pawnshop Museum and Guia Fortress Chapel. The arrival of the Year of the Dragon brings with it a special exhibition titled The Soaring Dance – Drunken Dragon Festival in Macao, to be held at the Macao Museum. The traditional Drunken Dragon Festival, organised each year by the Macao Fresh Fish Commercial Association to unite and benefit the community, is now an item of Macao's Intangible Cultural Heritage, having been successfully inscribed on the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage in the 3rd Batch of Submissions (May 2011). The exhibition at the Macao Museum features ceremonial objects, clothing, photographs, videos, cultural relics and documents that introduce this ancient folk custom to tourists and Macao residents, allowing them to deepen their knowledge of this historic festival's history in Macao. From January 22nd to 25th the Museum is offering free admission to residents. Open daily, except Mondays, between 10am and 6pm, the Museum also offers free admission to residents and students every Sunday. In celebration of both the Chinese New Year and its own 2nd Anniversary, the Mandarin's House holds a series of activities including exhibitions of drums and lion dance costume heads, calligraphy, Chinese music, lion dances, Cantonese Opera and a Wishing Tree. Guided tours are available in Cantonese. To minimise delays, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (CAB) advises visitors to book the date and time of their visit at least two days in advance, via the Mandarin's House website. Meanwhile, the Lou Kao Mansion, bedecked with festive Chinese New Year decorations, continues to showcase the Folk Arts of Shandong Province from now until February 5th, offering displays and demonstrations of Micro-carving and Laixi Gourd Carving. The Infection, Industria and Upsych – Contemporary Photography Exhibition by Václav Jirásek gathers profoundly creative works by one of the most acclaimed contemporary photographers of the Czech Republic, offered for public contemplation at the Tap Seac Gallery. The Gallery remains open as usual during Chinese New Year, from 10am to 7pm with free admission for the general public. The Mount Fortress Corridor is currently displaying the European Splendour: Photo Exhibition of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in European Union Member States. This beautiful collection of photographs allows visitors to enjoy the charm of Europe's World Heritage-listed natural sites, historic city centres and architectural treasures. The exhibition runs until January 29th, open daily from 7am to 7pm with free admission for the general public. The recently inaugurated Ye Ting's House, located at 76 Rua Almirante Costa Cabral, was the Macao home of army commander Ye Ting, where he lived with his family for seven happy years. This site remains open throughout the holiday period, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. The CAB, with the co-operation of Ye Ting's descendants and using photographs from the era, managed to restore the building's original façade. Ye Ting's House displays photographs from Ye Ting's military career and family life, unveiling the revolutionary hero's feats and contributions to Chinese modern history. In the garden, visitors will find the "Statue of Ye Ting and Family", crafted by local sculptor Ka-Long Wong. Ye Ting's House is open daily from 10am to 6pm. The Macao Central Library, along with the Sir Robert Ho Tung, Ilha Verde and Mong Há branches, will close two hours early on January 22nd and will remain closed from January 23rd to 25th, resuming normal hours beginning January 26th. The Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre is temporarily closed for maintenance. With the exception of a few sites, admission is free for the above-mentioned activities. During the Chinese New Year, the Mandarin's House and Tap Seac Gallery will offer visitors the Cultural Affairs Bureau's 2012 Commemorative Calendar, while supplies last. For more information on current activities and opening hours, please call 8399 6699 during working hours or access the CAB's website at www.icm.gov.mo. Opening hours and cultural activities during Chinese New Year:
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