Photo taken on Dec. 5, 2019 shows Li Bo, the designer of the 2020 Year of the Rat stamps. (Xinhua)

WELLINGTON, Dec. 6, 2019 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Post Wednesday issued a special stamp series featuring the Year of the Rat in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year. The stamp series is composed of the 2020 Year of the Rat set of four stamps and a miniature sheet including these four stamps.

In 2020, the Chinese Lunar New Year day falls on Jan. 25, bringing in the Year of the Rat. The rat ranks first in the animal signs of the Chinese zodiac, preceding the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

This photo shows the 2020 Year of the Rat first day cover issued by New Zealand Post. (Xinhua)

This photo shows the 2020 Year of the Rat miniature sheet issued by New Zealand Post. (Xinhua)

This photo shows the 2020 Year of the Rat set of stamps issued by New Zealand Post.(Xinhua) ■