As China ushered in the Year of the Horse, horse-themed cultural and creative products are riding a wave of popularity nationwide, featuring intangible cultural heritage crafts, trendy toy designs, and best wishes.
In Baigou Town of north China's Hebei Province, a sleek black horse plush toy has become a breakout hit in the local Spring Festival market. Featuring a dynamic posture and jet-black design, the product has emerged as one of the best-sellers, with orders booked through the end of March.
"We want to share the message with young consumers that everyone can be a 'dark horse,'" said Li Hui, co-founder of the plush toy brand.
In Zhenjiang City of east China's Jiangsu Province, the centuries-old Taiping Clay Whistle craft, an intangible heritage tradition dating back more than 2,000 years, has also embraced the zodiac theme. Artisans have created distinctive black clay ponies that double as whistles, attracting tourists to purchase them or try their hand at making their own crafts.
"The little horse I made is called 'Good things ride in right away,' Since it's the New Year, I painted it red. It looks very festive," said a young participant named Zuo Shiqi.
In Longyou Town, east China's Zhejiang Province, orders for bamboo-woven horse-themed creations covering a wide range of sizes have already been filled through the holiday season. In a local showroom, a newly launched 2.2-meter-tall sculpture of a galloping horse has become an eye-catcher. Its elaborate design draws inspiration from traditional brocade motifs, showcasing finely woven, three-dimensional patterns.
Meanwhile, in Zhejiang's Longquan City, the historic home of Longquan celadon, artisans are blending horse imagery into traditional celadon works, making them standout items at local markets.
"I just saw an amazing piece of artifact. There are so many little horses on it. It feels like traditional Chinese culture is woven into the design, and expressed through celadon to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It is truly refreshing," said a tourist named Chen Fengyan.
Horse-themed cultural products gain popularity across China in Year of Horse
