As the 2022 Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Tiger, Vietnamese young people have visited locations with tiger statues to take photos and pray for good fortune in the coming year.

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, is among the places where many youngsters flock to in the final days of the Year of the Ox to take photos with tigers.

The altar of Tiger God at Quan Am Pagoda on Lao Tu Street in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Anh Thu, a visitor, stated that she came to the Saigon Botanical and Zoo with the intention of praying for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming year.

"I'm hoping that the COVID-19 pandemic will be over in 2022," Thu said.

"I wish everyone success, financial stability, and the strength to overcome the obstacles, especially those born in the years of the Tiger."

A youngster prays before the Tiger God altar at Quan Am Pagoda on Lao Tu Street in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Apart from the park in District 1, many people prefer to pray for blessings from the Tiger God at the Quan Am Pagoda, a Chinese-styled Buddhist pagoda located on Lao Tu Street in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.

This pagoda is well-known for its unique rituals, which include worshiping the Tiger God, 'beating petty person' (a ritual believed to help ward off mean people in your life), and praying for a sweet relationship.

A young woman poses for a photo at the tiger mini scene in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Tiger statues honoring this year's zodiac animal have also appeared in public spaces throughout the country, attracting youngsters to visit and take photos.

S.D., a tourist in Vung Tau City, was surprised to discover the city's abundance of eye-catching tiger sculptures celebrating the 2022 Lunar New Year.

"As soon as I arrived, I wanted to take photos with them," the tourist said.

"Regardless of the zodiac sign, everyone should welcome the new year with joys."

Visitors snap some photos of the tiger firgues in Vung Tau City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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