Some popular New Year events in big Chinese cities have been cancelled in the wake of Shanghai’s deadly December 31st stampede.

Shanghai has cancelled its Lantern Festival which draws up to 3 million people over the seven-day holiday that begins on Wednesday, the eve of the Lunar New Year.

And, in Beijing, karaoke has been cut from a traditional temple fair.

Authorities have also asked stores to notify police of any special New Year sales they are planning.

The safety measures are a response to the stampede at Shanghai’s glitzy riverfront – where  36 people were crushed to death.