YEAR OF THE RABBIT SEES MUCH-LOVED CREATURE HOP ONTO CENTER STAGE

Legend of friendly, furry animal deeply rooted in folklore

A new stainless-steel sculpture, named Two Rabbits,created by renowned artist Yuan Xikun, was unveiled at the Solana Mall in the capital's Chaoyang district in January. Hundreds of people took photos of the sculpture, especially with children in the frame.

Yuan, founder of Beijing Jintai Art Museum, has been designing this rabbit sculpture since the beginning of 2022. He has created 12 Chinese zodiac signs, but all in single form,and this time he chose to design a pair of rabbits because in Chinese culture even numbers have an auspicious meaning.

"I want to use the sculpture to express my wishes that everyone is happy and healthy in the new year, as the rabbit is a sign of safety and good health in Chinese culture," Yuan says.