China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Tuesday unveiled the Auspicious Horse mascot of the upcoming 2026 Spring Festival, which will mark the beginning of the Year of the Horse.

The mascot was inspired by a well-known bronze sculpture from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), which is popularly referred to as the Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow for its clear sense of motion and balance.

The designers of the Auspicious Horse also drew from aesthetic elements of equine imagery during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Red was chosen as the base color, and traditional patterns were included to highlight the warmth and joy typical of the festival.

According to the ministry, a mascot merchandise line will be launched, including plush toys, blind boxes and fridge magnets, as well as festival supplies like Spring Festival hanging couplets, red envelopes and lanterns. The image of the Auspicious Horse and related merchandise will be used by Spring Festival events across the globe.

Each year on the Chinese lunar calendar is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals, which rotate in a repeating cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Next year, the circle moves to the Horse.