In the Chinese zodiac’s 12-year cycle, the horse is a symbol of speed, success, and forward momentum. As the Year of the Horse approaches, production lines in Dongguan are transforming the horse zodiac into must-have festive items for worldwide markets.

The scale of production is remarkable. At facilities like Junhui Toys Co Ltd, a single large order for horse-themed plush toys can involve approximately 470,000 pieces, valued at an estimated 20 million yuan ($2.9 million).

READ MORE: Festival illuminates Year of the Horse

This seasonal surge is powered by one of the world’s most concentrated toy manufacturing bases. Dongguan — officially recognized as China’s “capital of art toys” — is home to a formidable ecosystem of over 4,000 manufacturing enterprises and 1,500 supporting firms. This cluster enables the city to produce nearly 85 percent of China’s trendy toys and accounts for one-quarter of the global supply of anime derivatives, cementing its role as the nation’s leading toy export hub.

Adding to this momentum, Dongguan is speeding up in developing original intellectual property. The city has been chosen as the creator and producer for the mascots of 2026 Spring Festival Gala — China’s most-watched TV program. Under the theme “Galloping Steed, Onward Unstoppable”, a set of four horses named Qiqi, Jiji, Chichi, and Chengcheng has been unveiled. Their designs draw inspiration from equine figures throughout Chinese history, embodying the nation’s relentless drive toward a new era of prosperity.

ALSO READ: Festive feel

With the arrival of the Year of the Horse, Dongguan’s journey mirrors the zodiac’s essence: leaping forward from a manufacturing hub into a birthplace of original stories and symbols that now carry the festive spirit across the globe.

Contact the writers at miadou@chinadailyhk.com