An issuing ceremony of Year of the Ox stamps was held at Shenzhen Stock Exchange in Futian District on Tuesday. China Post issued sets of Year of the Ox stamps to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year which starts in mid-February.

Issuing ceremonies were simultaneously held in Beijing and Shanghai, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported.

The specially designed Chinese zodiac year stamps featuring the ox can be purchased at post offices and online starting from Tuesday. A set of two Year of the Ox stamps is worth 2.4 yuan (US$0.4).

Drawn by Yao Zhonghua — an artist specializing in oil painting, classical Chinese painting and gouache — the stamps reflect the cultural characteristics of the ox, such as hardworking, persistent, practical and devoted.

A staff member with China Post said: “To launch Year of the Ox stamps in Shenzhen is a salute to the city’s spirit of daring to make attempts and innovations.”

Beginning in 1980, China Post has been issuing specially designed Chinese zodiac year stamps featuring each of the 12 zodiac animals, to celebrate the Chinese New Year.