Gate says the new year is coming

The image you referenced shows a classic example of the Chinese tradition of pasting Spring Festival Couplets (春联, chūnlián) on gates and doorways during the Lunar New Year. This custom is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and is widely practiced both in homes and on public buildings or gates.

Spring Festival Couplets are red paper strips with black or gold writing, placed on gates and doorways during Chinese New Year. Two long vertical strips go on each side of the gate, and a shorter horizontal strip is placed above. Sometimes, a red diamond with the character “福” (meaning “good luck”) is added. Red symbolizes luck and wards off evil, while the words express wishes for happiness, prosperity, and peace in the new year. This tradition decorates homes and gates to invite good fortune.