YEAR OF THE DRAGON: Stamps to mark the year went on sale throughout the country on January 5. Hundreds of stamp lovers scrambled for the precious souvenirs. This is the third set of dragon stamps issued by China Post since 1949 (XINHUA)

2012 is the Chinese Year of the Dragon. Stamps to mark the year went on sale throughout the country on January 5. Hundreds of stamp lovers scrambled for the precious souvenirs. This is the third set of dragon stamps issued by China Post since 1949.

The dragon is the only legendary figure of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Chinese people have a special feeling for the dragon. It is traditionally seen as the highest-ranking animal and is endowed with the ability to control the forces of nature. Chinese people usually regard themselves as descendants of the dragon.