The Chinese New Year was marked in style at Oxford's Ashmolean Museum over the weekend with dancing and costumes. 

Chinese heritage was brought to life for visitors in what is the Year of the Dragon.

Chinese New Year officially began on Saturday and runs until February 20. 

The Ashmolean Museum in Beaumont Street held five hours of interactive sessions on Saturday as part of the celebrations. 

Oxford Mail: Chinese New Year dancing at the Ashmolean Museum in OxfordThe family-friendly activities included dressing up and taking photos in traditional Chinese costumes, a papercutting workshop and dance demonstrations.

There was also a Peking Opera sample and Erhu recital taking place as part of the occasion.

Oxford Mail: Chinese New Year dancing at the Ashmolean Museum in OxfordThe Dragon is the fifth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Rabbit and before the Snake. 

Visit www.ashmolean.org for more information on events planned at the Ashmolean Museum. 

Oxford Mail: Chinese New Year dancing at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford