Rabbit leaps into global awareness

Zodiac creature is embraced around the world, Xu Haoyu reports.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China has launched a cute and soft rabbit figure, which has a pair of big, long ears, and a red suit with golden trim, to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Designed by artists from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the doll is named "auspicious rabbit". Not only is it eye-catching, but a meme featuring the cuddly character is also attracting attention, and has been shared nearly 100,000 times on the WeChat platform alone.

During Chinese New Year, this rabbit "traveled overseas" and was presented, as a gift, to many politicians and celebrities in various countries, sending the festive wishes of Chinese people to their international friends in Russia, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and many other destinations.