Qiqi is inspired by horse-shaped bronze artifacts from the Western Zhou Dynasty (1100-771BC).
Image: CMG
On December 18, China Media Group (CMG) officially unveiled the mascots for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala. According to the traditional Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse.
The four horse-themed mascots – Qiqi, Jiji, Chichi, and Chengcheng – are portrayed as spirited, lively and adorable horses, full of vitality and confidence.
Jiji draws inspiration from the Heavenly Horse of the Han Dynasty (202 BC-9 AD, 25-220 AD), with its posture referencing the national treasure "Bronze Galloping Horse."
Image: CMG
Chichi is based on the Tang Dynasty (618-907) "Sanhuama" (Tri-color Horse). Named for its mane trimmed into three distinct sections, the horse represented the highest standard of fine horses recorded in Tang Dynasty relics and historical documents.
Image: CMG
Chengcheng is modeled after the Przewalski's horse, the only surviving wild horse species on Earth. With an evolutionary history spanning over 60 million years, it is regarded as a "living fossil of biological genes." Today, China has the world's largest population of Przewalski's horses.
Image: CMG
Their designs draw inspiration from iconic representations of horses from different periods of Chinese history, incorporating traditional Chinese patterns such as flowing cloud motifs and mountain-cloud motifs that have been passed down for thousands of years.
Together, they convey auspicious meanings of swift success and a bright, promising future.
CGTN