The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China unveiled "Lucky Horse" on November 25, 2025 as the official mascot for the 2026 Happy Chinese New Year global celebrations. Drawing inspiration from the Eastern Han Dynasty 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. 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.

The image of the “Lucky Horse” was designed by the mascot design team of the Central Academy of Fine Arts for “Happy Chinese New Year”. China Tourism Group is responsible for the market development of the mascot and will successively launch cultural and creative products such as 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.

The Happy Chinese New Year event is hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and has been held for 25 consecutive years since 2001. The Happy Chinese New Year mascots were officially introduced in 2023, using the Chinese zodiac as the core imagery to convey New Year blessings to the world.