The Ji‑Xiang Ma horse (Horse of Auspicious Omen) has been named the mascot for the Chinese Lunar New Year, which in 2026 will be celebrated from 17 February to 2 March. The symbol of the coming year will be the Red Fire Horse.
The inspiration for the mascot came from a bronze statuette dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE), originally known as “The Horse Treading on a Swallow”, Xinhua News Agency reports.
China plans to launch a range of souvenir products for sale, including plush toys, magnets, and themed festive items such as red envelopes (hongbao) and traditional Chinese lanterns.