On a chilly, drizzly morning in Wuxi, eastern China, dozens of philatelists formed long lines outside the local philatelic office as about a thousand collectors queued to buy the new Year of the Horse zodiac stamps. The scene blended damp weather with eager anticipation as fans waited to add the new issues to their collections.

The first design shows a red horse bounding atop auspicious clouds. The second depicts three galloping horses. The imagery aims to capture both the pioneering spirit of a single steed and the collective power of many in motion.

China Post says zodiac stamps help introduce China’s traditional culture to the world. Experts call the new issues a neat balance of heritage and modern taste, saying they preserve the zodiac’s roots while reflecting contemporary aesthetics and the spirit of the times.