China Post has issued a set of special zodiac stamps in celebration of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Year of the Mouse. The set went on sale on January 5th, and the new year is set to begin January 25th, 2020.

The Year of the Mouse zodiac stamps [Photo: Xinhua]

The Year of the Mouse zodiac stamps feature two designs: one depicts a mouse jumping up and looking up into the sky, while the other shows a little joyful family of mouses.

In 1980, the Year of the Monkey, China issued its first official zodiac stamp. Three years later in 1983, Han Meilin designed his first stamp for the Year of the Pig.

This year’s stamps were again designed by Han Meilin－who is best-known as the chief designer of Fuwa, the good-luck mascot of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

The mouse is the first animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, said to symbolize sagacity, optimism, and kindness.

The zodiac stamp exhibition is held at the Guangzhou Library. [Photo: Newsgd.com/Monica]

A launch ceremony was held at the Guangzhou Library on the morning of the 5th, attended by hundreds of residents and stamp collectors. A zodiac stamp exhibition is being held at the library until the 7th.

The above-mentioned zodiac stamps and many other collectibles are available at post offices throughout the city and a few other selected locations. You can find out more about the stamps and related activities via following one of Guangzhou Post Office’s official WeChat accounts (search ‘微邮筒’, ‘广州邮政’ or ‘广州邮政集邮’ on WeChat) or via the hotline number 11185.

A boy visits the exhibition. [Photo: Newsgd.com/Monica]

Author: Monica Liu

Editor: Simon Haywood