So what did 2011 mean for you? We took to China's streets to ask people what they think of the year and their hopes for 2012.
Click on the small images above to see who made the cut in our Year in Review.
Coming to China has been the best moment of 2011. The foreign exchange, studying and being part of a different culture has been a great experience. In 2012, I hope to speak better Chinese. – Thomas Legler, 21, from Germany.
My most exciting moment in 2011 came on Christmas Eve when I watched the concert of Chinese pop band Yuquan. As long as it's not the end of the world, I have no other wish for 2012. - Tsering Wangdu, 19, from Lhasa, the Tibet autonomous region.
I'm very happy to study in Beijing in 2011 and I have made a lot of friends here. I hope I can find a girlfriend in 2012. - Van Tye, 23, from Malaysia.
I bought gold at the lowest price in 2011. And I wish the stocks will rise in 2012 and I can get more money. - Li Hongwei, 45, from Beijing.
I am looking forward to the New Year in Beijing and success in my studies. – Oleg Ishchuk, 21, from Russia.
The best moment of 2011 was going to Ireland earlier this year for a wedding. I love being in China but every couple of years I need to return home and see everyone. In 2012 I hope to make some money and travel a bit more. - Mark Connolly, 23, from Ireland.
Although my wage was increased in the past year, I still felt the pressure of rising prices. I want to find a new job in 2012. – Du Cuiguo, 38, from Changzhi, North China's Shanxi province.
2011 was a year of hard study and in 2012 I hope to pass more exams. – Katya Burova, 20, from Russia.
We have both been studying hard in 2011, and I hope to find a boyfriend in the New Year. – Zhou Bocheng, 20, from Beijing.