2026 Spring Festival Gala mascots displayed on outdoor screens across China

The official mascots for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, a set of four majestic horses, have recently been displayed on outdoor screens across China.

With the theme "Galloping Steed, Onward Unstoppable," the mascots, Qiqi, Jiji, Chichi, and Chengcheng, were unveiled by the China Media Group (CMG) on December 18. They embody the nation's journey towards a new Chinese miracle.

In Guangzhou City, a bustling economic hub in southern China, images of the Spring Festival Gala mascots are prominently displayed on screens in popular shopping districts, attracting many residents who made a stop to snap photos.

"I can see the elements of the Year of the Horse under the Canton Tower. It truly evokes a festive atmosphere," said local resident Ms. Mo.

According to the CMG, three of the mascot designs draw inspiration from iconic horse figures appearing in art across Chinese history, specifically from the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), and the Han (202 BC-220 AD) and Tang (618-907) dynasties. The fourth is modeled on Przewalski's horse, the world's only surviving species of truly wild horse. Together, they blend Chinese cultural heritage with a dynamic spirit of innovation.

The mascot designs have been well received as they amplify the festive spirit associated with the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Lunar New Year, one of the most significant traditional celebrations in Chinese culture.

"I think these mascots incorporate traditional Chinese elements. They’re really cute. My favorite is Qiqi as it’s a black horse, which I see as a good omen. I hope to be like a 'dark horse,'" said Zheng Shiqin, a college student.

"The colors of the four little horses are vibrant and festive, creating a strong sense of the Spring Festival. It makes me feel that the New Year spirit is growing stronger," local resident Hu Yuanmei said.

In 2026, the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, falls on February 17.

2026 Spring Festival Gala mascots displayed on outdoor screens across China

2026 Spring Festival Gala mascots displayed on outdoor screens across China

A special sports program produced by the China Media Group (CMG) completed filming at the National Aquatics center in Beijing on Monday, with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry sending a video message to congratulate the successful production of the program.

In the video message, Coventry said that Chinese athletes have inspired the world with their passion and outstanding performances in 2025.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, Coventry wishes all Chinese athletes achieve success in their preparations.

Coventry also expressed her gratitude to CMG and the Chinese Olympic Committee for their efforts in promoting the Olympic spirit.

The special program summarizes and reviews the achievements and touching stories in China's sports field over the past year. It interprets the Chinese sports spirit through diverse forms such as interviews and performances.

There is also a segment in the program that highlights the sports development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The program is scheduled to be aired in January 2026.

IOC president congratulates CMG for completing filming of special sports program