China Braces for Dragon-Year Baby Boom

Babies born in the Chinese year of the dragon are believed to have lives marked by success and fortune—so China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other countries are expecting a baby boom to begin right around Jan. 23. That's the first day of the Chinese New Year, and this year the 12-animal zodiac returns to the dragon. Twelve years ago, births in Hong Kong increased 5%; Chinese state news expects a similar figure for China this year, the BBC reports. It's a boon for baby-centered industries: Diaper sales are likely to jump 17%.

Of course, "more people means more competition" at school and work for dragon babies, says a sociology professor. And while it's good news for Taiwan after it saw the world's lowest fertility rate last year—0.9 babies per woman—it will pose a challenge in China. "This will put a lot of pressure on hospitals, kindergartens, and schools," says an expert. Still, the kids will tough it out, says a feng shui group leader. "'When the dragon wants to do something, there will be no stopping him." (More Chinese New Year stories.)