Why is everyone in China obsessed with this sad-looking ‘Horse Toy’?

The “crying horse” craze is taking over China. (Image credit: X)

Chinese New Year Day will be observed on February 17, 2026, making the year of the Fire Horse – a rare combination that occurs once every 60 years, the last being in 1966.  In preparation, markets across China are flooded with horse-themed items. But Yiwu International Trade City, the country’s largest wholesale market, has become the stage for a unique shopping phenomenon – the “crying horse.” Unlike the typical cheerful red horses, this plush toy has a downturned mouth, a gold bell around its neck, and eyes that look away, giving it a sad and unusual appearance.

The toy has become a viral sensation on social media, with buyers flocking to get their hands on one.

A production blunder at a factory in eastern China has turned toy ponies into viral crying-faced horses which have become popular mascots for the Year of the Horse. --South China Morning Post pic.twitter.com/faMOYw3jq3

— Alex Santic (@TopofMurrayHill) January 20, 2026

The phenomenon reflects how modern social media trends and culture are coming together to create new, unexpected ways of celebrating the festival.

The “crying horse” wasn’t intended to have a sad expression, but a manufacturing mistake gave it an upside-down mouth. Buyers say the “ugly-cute” trend is seen with Labubu and other collectable figures worldwide. Due to its popularity, the store plans to continue selling the flawed version.

The Chinese zodiac’s Year of the Horse

In 2026, the Chinese zodiac welcomes the Fire Horse year. As the lunar New Year approaches, people are buying horse-themed items to celebrate. In Chinese astrology, the Horse symbolises energy, freedom, and independence. With the Fire element, this year is expected to be particularly intense, passionate, and fast-moving, earning the title of a rare “Double Fire” year.

The toy quickly went viral, sparking reactions from social media users across platforms.

One X user said, “This horse has the exact facial expression of a Ming Dynasty scholar who just found out he failed the Imperial Examination for the 14th year in a row. Some things in Chinese history are eternal: the exams are hard, the boss is demanding, and even the plushies are burnt out.”

Another user commented, “Not sure it's by accident. In China, among other nicknames, factory workers are called 'horses'. This could mean 'unhappy factory workers'.”

We need our own version.. pic.twitter.com/lwoA9BL1EA — Mr Opp (@MisterOptical) January 27, 2026

"accidentally" pic.twitter.com/XbuWqtiPDu — Bill (@billirfhi) January 27, 2026