In China, firecrackers echoed through the streets in Shanghai today as people braved the rain and cold to line up outside temples to usher in the Year of the Tiger. Snow covered rooftops in the biggest city as a cold front swept over the country at the start of the Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, the nation's most important holiday. <br/><br/>The sound of fireworks could be heard throughout Shanghai and Beijing as families set off displays to ward off evil spirits and draw the god of fortune to their doorsteps. News reports said in Beijing, 52 people were injured in firework accidents overnight as 880,000 police and volunteers patrolled the city to help ensure safety. <br/><br/>The weather agency warned heavy snow was expected in eastern China and forecast freezing rain for Guizhou province in the southwest and in central Hunan province. The government said 210 million passengers were expected to take the train during the current New Year period, which officially began late January. Nearly 30 million more will travel by air and millions of others by bus.