Life in China 2016: A Picture A Day, July 4 – Today we decided to test the new scooter and go to the shopping plaza to see if there were any signs at all of the American Independence Day celebration, but there was nothing (Yes, I know, we do live in China !) . However, there was an inflatable dragon archway that is often used to celebrate a new store opening or a special event taking place. In Chinese culture, dragons are symbolic of success, achievement, and more. The top picture is the main entrance to the Spar Supermarket near where we live and they just opened a small optician “kiosk” inside the store. The sign reads something like “Offering Congratulations to the Opening of the Eyeglass Shop”. The bottom picture was from yesterday in the next town, Dalingshan, in front of a jewelry store. These inflatables aren’t very expensive, a 10 meter or 32 foot wide one like in the top picture costs about 50usd. A small cost to advertise your new business and bring it good luck :-)