In Suzhou, China locals and visitors literally ring in the New Year at the Hanshan Temple Bell Ringing Festival. Held on December 31st, the festival welcomes the New Year in Suzhou. Hanshan Temple, over 1400 years old, is one of the ten most famous temples in China. In ancient times, monks struck the bell at midnight to remind people a new day was coming.

Alexandra O’Neill graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in April 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication and a Certificate in Western European Studies. She had an amazing international internship with the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium and Washington, D.C.