The hard-working ox symbolizes toil and determination, and that's what we need to make it through these hard economic times. Shanghai Times Square celebrates the Year of the Ox.

There are plenty of oxen, cattle and dancing lions and dragons to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Ox.

Peter Woytuk, a US sculptor of fanciful animals, displays works like bronze "Bulls" and "Blackbird on Four Apples" in the plaza of Shanghai Times Square.

These days the plodding ox is frequently depicted as a dynamic charging bull. Woytuk's huge bull is simple and abstract in a sculpture landscape of mountains and cattle. A child climbs aboard the bull's back.

Nearby the statue of a raven with fluid lines flies to the top of four apples and guards them.

Other delightful animal sculptures include "Colors of Happiness," "Samsara of Love," "In the Name of Love," and "The Lonely Dancer through the Time."

In the lobby and first floor there's an exhibition by French artist Georges Saulterre, chairman of French Association of Sculpture and Art.

His works include "The Song of Lotus Fondness," "Dream of Butterfly" and "The Peachy Escape."

A Chinese traditional dragon and lion dance will be performed on February 2 to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

By January 26, customers who purchase 209 yuan (US$30) worth of items will receive a set of hongbao or red envelopes designed by Hong Kong calligrapher David Chan.

"In Chinese tradition, the ox stands for hard work," says Cathy Hau, deputy general manager of Shanghai Times Square. "Given the economic situation in China and worldwide, we all have to work hard in 2009.

"In international stock markets, the ox or bull stands for rising market values, symbolizing optimism that's crucial for the coming year," she says.

Date: through February 10

Address: 99 Huaihai Rd M.

(Shanghai Daily January 22, 2009)