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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Beijing, November 25 (Xinhua) — China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Tuesday unveiled the mascot for the Spring Festival (Chunjie, the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year) of 2026, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse. It is the Jixiangma Horse, or Horse of Lucky Omen.
The inspiration for the talisman came from a famous bronze statue from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), which depicts a galloping horse with a flying swallow under its hoof, perfectly conveying movement and balance.
In their work, the mascot designers also drew inspiration from the aesthetic elements of horse imagery during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The background color chosen is bright red, while the addition of traditional Chinese ornaments emphasizes the warmth and joyful atmosphere characteristic of the holiday.
The ministry announced the planned launch of a line of souvenirs related to the mascot. These will include plush toys, blind boxes, and refrigerator magnets, as well as themed holiday items such as paired "chunlian" inscriptions with New Year's wishes, "hongbao" envelopes (red envelopes containing money traditionally given in China during the Spring Festival), and Chinese lanterns. The Jixiangma image and related paraphernalia will be used at Spring Festival celebrations around the world.
In the Chinese lunar calendar, each year is associated with one of 12 animals, which alternate sequentially and form repeating cycles: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The coming year, 2026, will be the year of the Horse.
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