As the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse approaches, horse decorations and sculptures of all shapes and styles are popping up in Beijing's streets and hutongs. Have you spotted them as you pass by? Let's take a look together!

Golden Resources Shopping Mall

The exhibition "Welcoming the Peaceful, Prosperous New Year with Zodiac Animal Heads: Yuanmingyuan's Cultural and Art Exhibition" debuted at Golden Resources Shopping Mall. This marks the first time that Yuanmingyuan has partnered with a major commercial landmark to present a cultural art exhibition. 

In the mall's second-floor central atrium, a striking black horse art installation—16 meters long and three stories high—has become the visual centerpiece. The exhibition features more than 20 precious replica artworks. The main highlight is reproductions of the twelve zodiac bronze heads: four are hidden inside the giant horse installation, while the remaining eight are openly displayed.

Exhibition Info

Dates: December 23, 2025 – February 1, 2026

Venue: Second-floor central atrium, Golden Resources Shopping Mall

Fayuan Temple Historical and Cultural Block

In the Fayuan Temple historical and cultural block area, charming horse-themed elements can be found everywhere.

At the southern entrance of Lanman Hutong, a cartoon sticker reading "Prosperity Is Coming in 2026" (2026马上有钱) decorates the floor-to-ceiling windows of bookstore Xuannan Shudian. On the second-floor rooftop, a chubby white horse leans forward, holding a red "Fu" (福) character between its front hooves. 

At the southern entrance of Xizhuan Hutong, roadside trees are wrapped in colorful "sweaters" and decorated with plush horse ornaments.

Nearby, photo frames labeled "Instant Success" (马到成功) invite passers-by to pose for pictures. Festive joy and everyday warmth fill every corner of the block.

Chinese Traditional Culture Museum (CTCM)

China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum

Recently, a series of 2026 Year of the Horse lanterns has been lit at the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum (CTCM). Crafted by professional lantern makers from Zigong, Sichuan Province, the designs revolve around the zodiac horse highlights from the museum's collection and Spring Festival traditions. Inspired by iconic images from classic Chinese cultural relics, the lanterns convey wishes for success, courage, and self-improvement in the coming year.

Gravity Art Museum

The Special Exhibition for the Year of the Horse, "Light Chaser," has recently opened at the Gravity Art Museum. Featuring paintings, sculptures, and installations, the exhibition explores the core spirit of the horse, which is vigorous, galloping, free and unrestrained.

Galaxy SOHO

At Galaxy SOHO, the New Year art installation "Tianma Xinghe: Riding on Dreams" (天马星河·以梦为马) is on display. With smooth curves and flowing lines that offer an abstract interpretation of the image of a horse, accented by vibrant red tones, the installation radiates a strong Spring Festival atmosphere.

With so many adorable "horses" around Beijing, which one is your favorite? Why not head out and check them out yourself? 

(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)