Rabbit leaps into global awareness

In addition to the image of this "auspicious bunny", as a symbol of Chinese zodiac culture, the rabbit has naturally and subtly brought countries closer together during the Spring Festival holiday.

A rabbit-themed tram runs through the streets of Rome; the ice sculpture of a rabbit shines on the ridge of the Jungfrau in Switzerland; and China, Hungary, Fiji and other countries have jointly issued stamps for the Year of the Rabbit.

Leaders from different countries have also expressed their love for the rabbit and their hopes for the lunar new year. For example, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a video message marking Lunar New Year, while the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayuth Chan-ocha, dressed in a traditional Chinese costume and holding the "auspicious rabbit" in his hands, sent his best wishes to people in Mandarin.