2013: The Year in China (88 images)

Chinese actors perform during an evening of Peking Opera in Beijing on June 23, 2013. China's Ministry of Culture has warned that traditional Chinese music, theater and dance are quickly losing the interest of the country's youth, with the possibility of it being replaced by Western pop culture in the near future. UPI/Stephen Shaver

Chinese shoppers enjoy the Christmas lights adorning an international shopping mall in Beijing on December 10, 2013. China's fast-growing middle class is embracing international holidays, especially Christmas, as it involves shopping, food, family and colorful decorationsÉyet many ignore its religious overtones. UPI/Stephen Shaver

'Hazardous' air pollution blankets Beijing on December 8, 2013. China's capital became the third Chinese city to launch a carbon trading scheme to regulate soaring CO2 emissions from its main power generators and manufacturers. Beijing and Shanghai closed factories and restricted public transportation as air pollution hit hazardous levels. UPI/Stephen Shaver

A Chinese man cycles in a stiff wind while carrying balloons he'll try to sell at a shopping mall in Beijing on November 24, 2013. Overcoming high levels of poverty and unemployment across the country remain a major challenge for China. The country's new government has called for sweeping reforms, including lessening state control on industries and promoting private businesses. UPI/Stephen Shaver