A set of rat-themed stamps have gone on sale in Baotou city in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, to mark the upcoming Year of the Rat based on Chinese zodiac, according to a Jan 7 report in the Baotou Daily.

The set of two stamps, designed by contemporary Chinese artist Han Meilin, was issued by China Post on Jan 5.

The stamps were printed with upgraded technology – employing laser engraving to improve accuracy and present more detail. They were also printed with colorless fluorescent ink to show a stretching and vibrant image of the sun.

Baotou launched the digital stamps as part of the city’s move to attract the attention of youngsters.

Officials said that by scanning the pattern printed on the rat-themed stamps with Alipay, interactive games will be activated.

Contrasting with the rat-themed stamps launched in 1984, this year’s set of stamps present a cartoon image of rat based on Chinese ink and wash painting. [Photo/Baotou Daily]

The Year of the Rat stamps are officially issued on Jan 5 by China Post. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]