The tiger is actually a popular animal in China. The magnificent feline predator symbolizes strength, vitality, risk-taking and adventure. Just twelve years ago, when the last year of the tiger was welcomed, millions of Chinese people associated the zodiac sign with new beginnings, openness and strength. This summed up the mood of 2010 nicely. It was the year of the Expo in Shanghai, two years after the successful Summer Olympics in Beijing, the West had to deal with the aftermath of the financial crisis, and China came out on top.