China celebrates the Year of the Horse (25 images)

Chinese dancers perform a traditional Spring Festival ceremony to celebrate China's Lunar New Year, at Ditan Park in Beijing on January 30, 2014. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, China welcomes the year of the horse on January 31. The horse, ranked seventh among the 12 animals on the Chinese zodiac, is one of the most beloved signs as it is widely considered a symbol of strength and speed. UPI/Stephen Shaver

Chinese police prepare to provide security at a Spring Festival lion dance, which will be performed to celebrate China's Lunar New Year, at Ditan Park in Beijing on January 30, 2014. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, China welcomes the year of the horse on January 31. The horse, ranked seventh among the 12 animals on the Chinese zodiac, is one of the most beloved signs as it is widely considered a symbol of strength and speed. UPI/Stephen Shaver

Chinese soldiers dressed in imperial costumes perform an ancient ceremony of sacrifice to celebrate China's Lunar New Year, at Ditan Park in Beijing on January 30, 2014. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, China welcomes the year of the horse on January 31. The horse, ranked seventh among the 12 animals on the Chinese zodiac, is one of the most beloved signs as it is widely considered a symbol of strength and speed. UPI/Stephen Shaver

Chinese dancers perform a traditional Spring Festival ceremony to celebrate China's Lunar New Year, at Ditan Park in Beijing on January 30, 2014. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, China welcomes the year of the horse on January 31. The horse, ranked seventh among the 12 animals on the Chinese zodiac, is one of the most beloved signs as it is widely considered a symbol of strength and speed. UPI/Stephen Shaver