Mascot unveiled for Happy Chinese New Year 2026

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism unveiled "Lucky Horse" on Tuesday as the official mascot for the 2026 Happy Chinese New Year global celebrations.

Drawing inspiration from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) bronze sculpture "Galloping Horse Treading on a Swallow" unearthed in Gansu province, the design incorporates the flowing mane of the celebrated "Five-Flower Horse" of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

The mascot features a dominant Chinese red color palette adorned with classic patterns including cloud and ruyi (curved scepter) motifs, capturing the warmth and festive spirit of traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.

Developed by the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the mascot will be commercially developed by the China Tourism Group. The upcoming product lineup includes plush toys, blind boxes and refrigerator magnets, alongside traditional festival items like couplets, red envelopes and lanterns.

These products will feature prominently in 2026 Happy Chinese New Year events worldwide, adding fresh cultural elements to global Spring Festival celebrations.

Launched in 2001 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Happy Chinese New Year program marks its 25th anniversary this year. The initiative introduced its zodiac-based mascot series in 2023, creating a new tradition of sharing Chinese New Year blessings with global audiences through culturally rich visual symbols.