A chartered plane carrying more than 74 metric tons of Boston lobster from Halifax Airport in Canada landed in Zhengzhou China on Monday after 19 hours of air travel.

China Daily reported that this is the first batch of Boston lobster, which is a common feast preference during China's Lunar New Year, to have arrived in the mainland following a great demand from buyers. Another two are expected to arrive by Jan. 27 when the festival is expected to kick off.

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A kilogram of the imported lobster costs around 500 yuan ($72) in China.

Dai Yanting, an official at the Henan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, said that the department has already cleared the imports and they will be later distributed to Beijing, Lianyungang, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Industry experts suggested that an estimated 8,000 tons worth of seafood is expected to be imported into the mainland in 2017.

The Chinese New Year takes place on different dates as it is based on the lunar calendar. It, however, falls mostly between the end of January to mid-February.

Each year has its own unique zodiac symbol derived from the 12-year animal signs. And based on the zodiac cycle, 2017 is the year of the rooster, which is the 10th animal in the cycle and is attributed with confidence, honesty, and hard work.

The Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations are expected to begin on Jan. 27 and will usually last for two weeks, the longest holiday in China's calendar.

Tagschina, New Year, Year of the Rooster, Boston Lobster